January 15, 2026

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 three-year-old girl has died following a serious multi-vehicle traffic crash at Banya on the Sunshine Coast earlier this month. Police say the crash occurred on 8 January when a truck collided with several vehicles stopped in traffic on Banya Avenue. The child, who was critically injured in the initial collision, was airlifted to hospital but passed away on 14 January. The Forensic Crash Unit continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Thursday, 8 January 2026 (around 11:40am)
  • Location: Banya Avenue near Bruny Street and Great Keppel Way, Banya, Sunshine Coast, QLD

Vehicles Involved

  • Mitsubishi Fuso truck
  • Silver Nissan Qashqai
  • Blue Haval station wagon
  • Black Toyota RAV4
  • White Toyota HiAce

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • Three-year-old girl — rear passenger in the Haval station wagon; died in hospital on 14 January after sustaining critical injuries.
  • Critical/Serious Injuries:
    • One-year-old girl — rear passenger in the Haval; transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital and later to Queensland Children’s Hospital.
  • Other Injuries:
    • 37-year-old woman — driver of the Haval station wagon; transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
    • 52-year-old man — truck driver; sustained minor injuries and transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
    • Other vehicle occupants — transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency Response

  • Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance Service and rescue crews attended the scene.
  • The three-year-old girl was airlifted to Queensland Children’s Hospital.
  • Multiple injured people were transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

Police Investigation
The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the multi-vehicle collision.

  • Police allege the truck collided with the rear of multiple vehicles stopped in traffic.
  • Investigators are reviewing vehicle movements along Banya Avenue.
  • Witnesses and anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam vision are urged to come forward.

Community Impact
The death of the young child has deeply affected the Banya and Sunshine Coast communities. The crash has renewed concerns about safety at busy intersections within the growing Aura estate.

Appeal for Information
Police urge anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to contact authorities. Quote reference number QP2600047997.

  • Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
  • Policelink: Call 131 444 or submit information via the online suspicious activity form.