Woman Killed, Driver Critically Injured in Head-On Crash at Breddan, Charters Towers – May 15, 2025

What happened

Incident Overview

A head-on collision on the Flinders Highway , southwest of Townsville , has claimed the life of a woman in her 50s and left another woman critically injured. The crash occurred near Macrossan Bridge in Breddan, Charters Towers , on Wednesday, May 15, 2025 , at approximately 4:00 pm .

Emergency services responded to reports involving a Holden Epica and a Hyundai Kona traveling in opposite directions when they collided head-on. Paramedics treated the female passenger in the Kona , but she succumbed to life-threatening injuries at the scene. The driver of the Holden Epica , a woman in her 40s, was flown to Townsville Hospital in critical condition. A man in his 50s , driving the Kona, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to hospital.

Queensland Police are investigating the cause of the crash and have appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage to assist with their inquiry.

“The woman, aged in her 50s, could not be saved and was declared dead a short time later.”
— Queensland Police statement

• Crash Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2025 (approximately 4:00 pm).
• Location: Flinders Highway near Macrossan Bridge, Breddan, Charters Towers, Queensland — southwest of Townsville.

• A Holden Epica, carrying a female driver who was critically injured and transported to hospital.
• A Hyundai Kona, carrying a male driver (in his 50s) and a female passenger (in her 50s), who died at the scene.

• Fatality:
  • The 50-year-old female passenger from the Hyundai Kona died at the scene despite resuscitation efforts.
• Critical Injuries:
  • The 40-year-old female driver of the Holden Epica was airlifted to Townsville Hospital in critical condition.
• Non-Life-Threatening Injuries:
  • The 50-year-old male driver of the Hyundai Kona suffered injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

This tragic incident marks the 92nd road fatality in Queensland this year , reinforcing the importance of vigilance and safe driving practices on regional highways like the Flinders Highway , where high-speed crashes can have devastating consequences.

The loss of a life and the ongoing fight for survival by another victim serve as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by drivers across rural Queensland.

Emergency Response

• Paramedics and police arrived quickly at the scene following reports of a serious crash.
• Medical crews performed emergency resuscitation on the deceased woman before confirming her death.
• The critically injured Epica driver was stabilized and flown to Townsville Hospital for urgent care.

“Paramedics found a passenger from the Kona with life-threatening injuries when they arrived at the crash site.”
— Queensland Police update

Investigation

The Queensland Police Service is investigating the circumstances surrounding the head-on crash, focusing on:

• The sequence of events that led to the collision on the Flinders Highway.
• Road conditions, visibility, and potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, fatigue, or mechanical failure.
• Dashcam or CCTV footage from the area around the time of impact.

Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist investigators.

Appeal for Information

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam/CCTV footage of the Flinders Highway near Breddan around 4:00 pm on May 15, 2025 , is urged to contact police:

• Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
• Policelink: Submit anonymous tips via the suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.