Juvenile crime: Cairns Post readers have mixed reaction after Manoora crash kills teen boy

A tragic car accident that killed a teenage boy overnight has sent Cairns Post readers into a tailspin, with a mixture of anger, sadness and frustration pouring out. SEE THE REACTION

A TRAGIC car accident that killed a teenage boy overnight has sent Cairns Post readers into a tailspin, with a mixture of anger, sadness and frustration pouring out on social media.

A 14-year-old boy, one of six passengers in an alleged stolen vehicle that crashed into a tree in Manoora, was pronounced dead at the scene sometime after 1.10am on Monday morning.

The spiralling level of crime across the city, particularly car thefts, was a major source of conversation on Facebook with many readers hoping the death would act as a deterrent for other Far North youths.

An initial Queensland Police investigation found all six teenage occupants of the car were injured, with police and ambulance officers performing CPR on the 14-year-old boy.

However, he was unable be saved.

The 14-year-old driver of the alleged stolen white hatchback was also taken to Cairns Hospital in a serious condition.

The incident has prompted many readers to ask if the state and federal governments are doing enough to put the brakes on juvenile crime.

RELATED: Cairns MP Michael Healy’s crime strategy targets absent parents

“I wonder if the law will change now as a poor little dear had died. Not holding my breath,” said Graeme Mcalpine.

Jane Teeuws stated “we keep making excuses for them. This will continue.”

Chris Richardson said the government should be investing more money into youth crime prevention “as whatever is being done now is not working.”

“Half way houses for offenders out of town is one alternative,” he offered.

“When will the government do something with youth crime,” Catherine Collier asked.

Kelly Fisher said she was “sorry that one died and the rest are injured” but the Queensland government “has blood on their hands.”

“Crime has been ignored for far to long,” she said.

“All of this could have been prevented if we had a decent juvenile crime system set up.”

Alana Smith wrote “no disrespect … but another one,” referring to the alleged stolen car offence.

“It never stops and there is nothing in place to deal with this pandemic of mindless children and teenagers,” she said.

Terri Greig said it was a “sad day” with “lives ruined.”

“And in a week it will all be forgotten until the next one and the next one and the next one,” he said.

It comes as police appeal for anyone who saw the vehicle, a white 2010 Toyota Yaris hatchback, or has relevant dashcam vision to contact them.

They’re also calling on the driver of a blue sedan, which the Yaris overtook on Pease St at speed about 1am, to contact police.

The blue sedan was travelling south bound over Saltwater Creek Bridge at the time. Police are urging the driver to make contact as soon as possible.

Follow @markcmuzza

Originally published as Juvenile crime: Cairns Post readers have mixed reaction after Manoora crash kills teen boy