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Incident Overview
A 75-year-old woman has died and several others, including a two-year-old boy, have been injured in a three-vehicle crash in Bouldercombe, Queensland. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, January 16, 2025, and involved a chain-reaction collision where a car waiting to turn was pushed into oncoming traffic.
Location and Time
The crash happened around 3:25 pm on the Burnett Highway at Bouldercombe, near Rockhampton, Queensland. This is a major highway connecting Rockhampton to other regional centers, and the crash occurred during the afternoon when traffic can be moderate.
Vehicles Involved
Three vehicles were involved in the collision: a white Toyota Corolla, a blue Ford, and a Subaru.
Crash Description
The white Toyota Corolla was stationary and waiting to make a right turn off the Burnett Highway when it was rear-ended by a blue Ford. The impact of the collision pushed the Corolla into the oncoming lane of traffic, where it was then struck by a Subaru.
Injuries/Fatalities
The 75-year-old woman who was the driver and sole occupant of the Toyota Corolla died at the scene. Three people in the Subaru—a 32-year-old woman, a 34-year-old man, and a two-year-old boy—were taken to Rockhampton Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The occupants of the Ford sustained minor injuries.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including police, paramedics, and possibly a rescue helicopter, attended the scene.
Investigation
The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Witnesses/Appeals
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is urged to contact the police. This information could be crucial in helping investigators determine the cause of the crash and any contributing factors.
Community Impact
This tragic incident has saddened the local community and serves as a reminder of the potential dangers on highways, even when waiting to turn. The involvement of a young child in the crash adds to the emotional impact of the incident.
Contributing Factors
The contributing factors to the crash are still under investigation. However, it appears that the initial rear-end collision between the Ford and the stationary Corolla set off the chain of events that led to the fatality and other injuries. The investigation will likely focus on determining the cause of the initial collision and whether speed, driver inattention, or other factors played a role.