‘Absolutely shattered’: Near-death crash sparks calls to fix road at Tarzali Lakes

A near-death crash that left a mum with a broken back in Townsville hospital has prompted calls for changes to be made to the “dangerous” stretch of road

A horrific crash that almost claimed the life of a mum in Far North Queensland has prompted calls for changes to be made to the “dangerous” stretch of road.

Tablelands resident Donna Waring was left with life-altering injuries, including a broken back, after a serious two-vehicle crash at Tarzali Lakes on November 14.

The 61-year-old had been on her way to visit her daughter at the Australian Platypus Park and slowed down along Malanda-Milla Milla Rd to turn into the park’s driveway when a 4WD collided with her car from behind.

Donna Waring, 61, broke her back in a horrific car crash at Tarzali Lakes on November 14, 2022. Picture: Supplied

Daughter Jade Waring said she had been walking down the driveway when it happened and heard a “loud bang” from the road.

She remembers the heart-wrenching moment she laid eyes on her mother’s Toyota Echo, which had almost been smashed beyond recognition.

“I just ran,” she said.

“When I saw her car and its damage, I was sick to my stomach.

“I thought straight away that she was gone.”

Donna Waring and her daughter Jade in Townsville hospital. Picture: Supplied

She said a wave of relief hit when she reached her mum and found she was still conscious.

“She couldn’t breathe when I got to her,” Ms Waring said.

“I was just trying to keep her awake until the ambulance got there.”

Donna had eight screws and rods placed into her back. Picture: Supplied

She was taken to Atherton Hospital by ambulance and flown to Townsville University Hospital, where she remained for two weeks.

Her injuries included a broken back, 14 fractured ribs and punctured lungs.

“Her T6 (sixth thoracic vertebrae), just below the shoulder blades, was absolutely shattered,” Jade said.

The scene of the crash at Tarzali Lakes on November 14, 2022. Picture: Supplied

“She underwent surgery, and they put eight screws and rods into her back.

“Mum’s still in a lot of pain. She can walk, but she’s got very limited spine mobility.

“She’s going to be living with this crash for the rest of her life.”

The crash has sparked calls for changes to be made to the “dangerous” stretch of road.

“You’ve got cars going 100km/h coming down a bend where cars are coming turning in and out of a tourist attraction,” Ms Waring said.

“You get cars that pull out of the Australian Platypus Park, and trucks have to screech to slow down. There have been multiple accidents before.”

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said rehabilitation works are scheduled for Malanda-Millaa Millaa Road, near the Australian Platypus Park, between February and August next year.

“The new surfacing will reduce roughness and increase skid resistance,” he said.

“We have completed a speed limit review, in line with national guidelines.

“It found the current 100km/h speed limit is appropriate and there was no technical justification for changing it.

“Changing speed limits arbitrarily, where technical guidelines are not met, can result in poor compliance, inconsistent driver behaviour and reduced safety.

“Motorists are reminded to always drive to the conditions of the road, stick to speed limits and avoid driver distraction and fatigue.”

A GoFundMe appeal has been set up to help Ms Waring cover her ongoing medical and rehabilitation costs.

You can help here: https://gofund.me/7e65e534

Originally published as ‘Absolutely shattered’: Near-death crash sparks calls to fix road at Tarzali Lakes