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Incident Overview
A woman has died , and a man was hospitalized with gunshot wounds following a violent incident involving multiple vehicle crashes and an alleged armed carjacking near Aussie World on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast . The chaos began at approximately 12:10 pm on Monday, April 21, 2025 , when a red Porsche Macan crashed into other vehicles in the southbound lanes of the Bruce Highway at Palmview .
The driver of the Porsche allegedly exited his vehicle, approached a white SsangYong Rexton , and shot the driver in the arm before stealing the vehicle and fleeing the scene. A chain of events followed, including additional carjackings and crashes, culminating in the arrest of the suspect near Steve Irwin Way .
Three crime scenes have been declared: one at Palmview and two in Landsborough . Police are investigating whether the incidents are connected and if the red Porsche Macan was stolen.
Location and Time
- Initial Incident: Bruce Highway, Palmview (approximately 12:10 pm).
- Stolen SsangYong Recovery: Near Forestry Road, Landsborough (shortly after 12:30 pm).
- Arrest Location: Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough.
Vehicles Involved
- A **red Porsche Macan** involved in the initial crash (suspect’s vehicle).
- A **white SsangYong Rexton** stolen by the suspect after the shooting.
- A **grey Mazda 3** stolen during a driving lesson before the suspect’s arrest.
Injuries/Fatalities
- Fatality: A woman involved in the initial multi-vehicle crash later died from life-threatening injuries.
- Serious Injuries:
- The male driver of the SsangYong Rexton sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and was taken to **Sunshine Coast University Hospital**.
- A man traveling in a third vehicle involved in the initial crash was hospitalized with serious injuries.
Emergency Response
- Paramedics treated victims at the scene of the initial crash before transporting them to hospitals.
- The stolen SsangYong was found overturned on its roof near **Forestry Road, Landsborough**, shortly after 12:30 pm.
- The suspect was arrested near **Steve Irwin Way** after crashing the grey Mazda 3, with a firearm recovered inside the vehicle.
- All southbound lanes of the Bruce Highway at Palmview were closed as police investigated the crime scene.
“The southbound lanes of the Bruce Hwy at Palmview have been closed as a result. Drivers have been told to avoid the area.”
— 7NEWS report
Police Investigation
Authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the series of incidents, focusing on:
- The cause of the initial multi-vehicle crash involving the red Porsche Macan.
- The suspect’s motives for shooting the driver of the SsangYong Rexton and stealing the vehicle.
- The circumstances surrounding the subsequent carjackings and crashes, including the theft of the grey Mazda 3 during a driving lesson.
Police are also examining whether the red Porsche Macan was stolen prior to the incident. Three crime scenes have been declared:
- One at the site of the initial crash on the Bruce Highway in Palmview.
- Two in Landsborough, including the location where the stolen SsangYong was found and the arrest site near Steve Irwin Way.
“The two men are not believed to be known to each other.”
— Preliminary police statement
Appeal for Information
Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance in piecing together the events leading up to and following the incident. Anyone with information, particularly dashcam or CCTV footage from the area, is urged to contact police:
- Queensland Police: Provide information via Policelink online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
- Crime Stoppers QLD: Report information anonymously by calling 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Community Impact
This tragic and violent chain of events has deeply shaken the local community, particularly given the proximity to popular landmarks like Aussie World . The loss of life and involvement of firearms underscore the need for increased vigilance and road safety awareness.