November 24, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A young mother and her two-year-old daughter have been identified as the victims of a fatal truck collision on the Bruce Highway at Canoona on Wednesday, 19 November. The family was travelling in a Freightliner truck when it collided with a Mercedes-Benz truck about 10:40pm. The 21-year-old woman and her daughter died at the scene. The driver of the Freightliner — the woman’s partner and father of the child — was ejected from the vehicle and remains in a Brisbane hospital in a critical condition. The Mercedes-Benz driver sustained minor injuries. Police investigations remain ongoing.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 (around 10:40pm)
  • Update Date: Sunday, 23 November 2025 (updated 24 November)
  • Location: Bruce Highway, Canoona, north of Rockhampton, QLD

Vehicles Involved

  • Freightliner truck — carrying three occupants
  • Mercedes-Benz truck — driven by a 24-year-old NSW man

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • 21-year-old woman — deceased at the scene.
    • Two-year-old girl — deceased at the scene.
  • Critical/Serious Injuries:
    • 24-year-old partner/father — ejected from vehicle; multiple life-threatening injuries and burns; airlifted to Brisbane.
  • Other Injuries:
    • 24-year-old Mercedes-Benz driver — minor injuries; treated in hospital.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency crews attended and confirmed both deaths at the scene.
  • The injured man was airlifted to Brisbane for specialist treatment.
  • The Mercedes-Benz driver received treatment for minor injuries.
  • A crash scene was secured for forensic examination.

Police Investigation
The Forensic Crash Unit continues to investigate the circumstances of the collision.

  • Officers are analysing vehicle movements prior to impact.
  • Witness information and dashcam footage are being sought.
  • The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

Community Impact
The deaths have deeply affected the Koongal and Rockhampton communities. Family members described their grief publicly, and a fundraising campaign has been established to assist with funeral and medical expenses. The critically injured father remains unaware of the deaths of his partner and daughter.

Appeal for Information
Police urge anyone with information or footage relevant to the incident to come forward. Quote reference number QP2502101800.

  • Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report anonymously online.
  • Provide information via Policelink on 131 444 or through the QPS online suspicious activity form.