URGENT UPDATE: A devastating Saturday on Queensland roads has pushed the state’s road toll to a grim milestone of 200 fatalities this year, following three tragic crashes. With the alarming trend, the RACQ warns that 2025 could be the deadliest year for Queensland roads in over 15 years.
The latest incidents occurred overnight, claiming the lives of four individuals, including a 27-year-old motorbike rider south of Brisbane. Authorities report that the rider, from the Gold Coast hinterland township of Wonglepong, was traveling along Green Ridge Road in Jimboomba when his motorcycle collided with a station wagon making a right turn. Preliminary investigations indicate he was overtaking multiple vehicles on the wrong side of the road.
In a separate incident near Bundaberg, a 60-year-old man tragically lost his life when his vehicle rolled off the road while attempting to turn onto the Bruce Highway. Additionally, a collision north of Gympie resulted in the deaths of both a 20-year-old and a 50-year-old. The younger victim, identified as a Kilkivan resident, was reportedly driving a stolen black MG sedan and was dangerously overtaking vehicles at high speed on Gympie-Curra Road when he clipped another car. Following the collision, the MG struck a silver Holden sedan, causing both vehicles to flip and the Holden to catch fire, resulting in the tragic death of its driver.
Josh Cooney, the RACQ general manager of advocacy, emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “Right now, one person dies on our roads almost every day, and speeding remains the leading factor in fatal crashes, contributing to an average of 79 deaths every year.” The RACQ fears that an additional 100 people could die on Queensland roads before the year ends if current trends continue.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and adhere to road safety regulations as this tragic milestone highlights a growing crisis on Queensland roads. With fatalities rising sharply, authorities are stepping up efforts to address speeding and reckless driving, which are contributing factors in these devastating accidents.
As the situation develops, officials are expected to announce new safety measures aimed at curbing the alarming rise in road deaths. The community’s response and adherence to traffic laws will be crucial in preventing further tragedies on Queensland’s roads.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue to investigate these incidents and work on strategies to improve road safety.
