Woman Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash at Bouldercombe – January 16, 2025

What happened

Incident Overview

On Thursday, January 16, 2025, a 75-year-old woman died in a three-vehicle chain-reaction collision on the Burnett Highway at Bouldercombe, near Rockhampton, Queensland. The crash occurred when a stationary Toyota Corolla waiting to turn was struck from behind by a Ford, pushing it into oncoming traffic where it was then hit by a Subaru.

Queensland Police and emergency services attended the scene at approximately 3:25 pm. Three other people, including a two-year-old boy, were transported to Rockhampton Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Location and Time

The collision occurred on the Burnett Highway at Bouldercombe, near Rockhampton, at approximately 3:25 pm on Thursday afternoon, January 16, 2025.

Vehicles Involved

Vehicle 1

• Make/Model: White Toyota Corolla
• Status: stationary, waiting to turn right off the highway
• Driver: 75-year-old woman (deceased at scene)

Vehicle 2

• Make/Model: Blue Ford
• Direction: rear-ended the Corolla
• Occupants: sustained minor injuries

Vehicle 3

• Make/Model: Subaru
• Direction: struck the Corolla after it was pushed into oncoming traffic
• Occupants: three people transported to hospital

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• 75-year-old woman, driver of the Toyota Corolla (deceased at scene)

Injuries

• 32-year-old woman, Subaru (Rockhampton Hospital, non-life-threatening)
• 34-year-old man, Subaru (Rockhampton Hospital, non-life-threatening)
• Two-year-old boy, Subaru (Rockhampton Hospital, non-life-threatening)
• Ford occupants (minor injuries)

Community Impact

The incident has deeply affected the local Bouldercombe community and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on regional highways. The involvement of a young child in the crash has added to the emotional impact of this tragic event.

Emergency Response

Queensland Police, paramedics, and emergency services attended the scene promptly at approximately 3:25 pm. Three patients from the Subaru were transported to Rockhampton Hospital by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. The occupants of the Ford sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the scene.

Investigation

Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is leading the investigation into the circumstances of the collision. Investigators are examining the cause of the initial rear-end impact between the Ford and the stationary Corolla, and whether factors such as speed, driver inattention, or other conditions contributed to the crash.

Police are appealing for witnesses and motorists with dashcam footage of the Burnett Highway at Bouldercombe around the time of the incident to come forward with information that may assist in determining the cause and contributing factors.

Appeal for Information

Queensland Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000. Information can also be submitted online at policelink.qld.gov.au.