November 20, 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
Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing following a fatal truck collision at Canoona on Wednesday, 19 November. Two passengers in a Freightliner truck — a 21-year-old woman and a two-year-old girl, both from Koongal — were declared deceased at the scene. The driver of the Freightliner, a 24-year-old Koongal man, was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the second vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz truck operated by a 24-year-old Toongabbie man, sustained minor injuries. The Bruce Highway remains closed as police examine the scene.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025
  • Update Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025 (9:46am)
  • Location: Bruce Highway, Canoona, QLD

Vehicles Involved

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

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • 21-year-old Koongal woman — passenger, deceased at scene.
    • Two-year-old Koongal girl — passenger, deceased at scene.
  • Critical/Serious Injuries:
    • 24-year-old Koongal man — Freightliner driver, airlifted with life-threatening injuries.
  • Other Injuries:
    • 24-year-old Toongabbie man — Mercedes-Benz driver, minor injuries.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services attended and confirmed the deaths of two passengers at the scene.
  • The Freightliner driver was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.
  • The Mercedes-Benz driver was treated for minor injuries.
  • A full highway closure was implemented for scene preservation and forensic investigation.

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

  • Police are reviewing vehicle movements and forensic evidence from the scene.
  • Authorities are seeking information and dashcam footage from motorists travelling through Canoona around the time of the crash.

Community Impact
The collision has caused significant disruption along the Bruce Highway, which remains closed for much of the day. The deaths of two family members from Koongal have affected the Rockhampton community deeply.

Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information or relevant footage from the area to contact investigators. Quote reference number QP2502101800.

  • Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report anonymously online.
  • Contact Policelink on 131 444 or use the QPS reporting portal.