Young Driver Charged Over Fatal Crash on Bruce Highway – October 3, 2024

Incident Overview

On August 1, 2024, a devastating three-vehicle crash occurred on the Bruce Highway in Bloomsbury, Queensland, south of Proserpine. The crash involved a ute, a truck, and a Mazda.

Details of the Crash

At approximately 2:50 PM, a 21-year-old man driving a ute northbound allegedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with a truck. The ute then struck a Mazda that was traveling behind the truck.

The driver of the Mazda, a 72-year-old man from Victoria, sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Townsville Hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and passed away on August 14, 2024.

The driver of the truck and two passengers from the ute and the Mazda suffered minor injuries and were taken to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.

Charges Laid

The 21-year-old driver of the ute, who also sustained serious injuries in the crash, has been charged with careless driving causing death. He is scheduled to appear before the Mackay Magistrates Court on November 25, 2024.

Bruce Highway Safety Concerns

This tragic incident has renewed concerns about the safety of the Bruce Highway, which has been identified as one of the most dangerous highways in Australia. Recent data from AAMI and RACQ highlight the high rate of fatal and serious injury crashes on the highway, prompting calls for urgent safety upgrades.

Conclusion

This crash is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from driver error and the urgent need for continued efforts to improve safety on the Bruce Highway.