A woman driving a Toyota LandCruiser was just metres away from her home when her vehicle collided with a Mercedes-Benz in Forest Lake, leaving five people seriously injured, according to neighbours.
Queensland Police said the two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Renoir Crescent and Forest Lake Boulevard at 10:10 p.m. on Saturday, June 8th, 2024.
Speed a Possible Factor
Police are investigating whether speed contributed to the crash. Reports cited that the Mercedes-Benz allegedly travelled more than 100km/h in a 60km/h zone.
“The scene behind me, from my experience, would indicate that speed may have been a contributing factor,” a Queensland Police spokesman said.
Forest Lake local Makenzie Lynch reported that she was among the first to rush to the scene after hearing “a big bang and a big fire.” She said it was “quite horrific to look at,” adding she saw debris scattered across the road and a man hanging out of the Mercedes. Ms Lynch also stated that while she didn’t know the woman behind the wheel of the LandCruiser, she often saw her driving on the street.
One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said she heard “an almighty boom” during the crash. She was lying in bed, almost asleep, when she heard the loud noise and thought she would soon hear sirens, which she did shortly after.
A Queensland Police spokesman said they don’t know the exact cause of the incident, but members of the Forensic Crash Unit will attend to determine whether speed may have been a contributing factor.
Life-Threatening Injuries
Queensland Ambulance Service medical director Steve Rashford described the injuries of those involved as “life-threatening”, saying it was a very high-impact crash involving five patients who suffered a combination of life-threatening injuries, including internal bleeding and multiple fractures.
The 52-year-old female driver of the LandCruiser, who remains in serious condition in hospital, reportedly lived in the area and had just turned onto her street when the accident occurred. The 28-year-old male driver of the Mercedes-Benz, his two 22-year-old male passengers, and a 20-year-old female passenger were also taken to hospital with serious injuries.
In a Facebook post, the Queensland Ambulance Service pleaded with the public to take extra care on the roads, drive to conditions, slow down and not drink and drive after attending road trauma incidents where patients suffered life-changing injuries in the past 48 hours.
Information About the Crash
The Queensland Police Service aims to reduce the lives lost on the state’s roads. Data indicates that serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers recognise and avoid the ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours: speeding, drunk and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.
The reference number for this incident is QP2400976166. Anyone with information for the police can contact Policelink by submitting details through the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day on their website or by calling 131 444. Crime information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or online at their website.
Published 10-June-2024
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