Bruce Hwy at Bauple stretch claims fourth life in 18 months

Federal MPs for Wide Bay and Capricornia have issued scathing statements on the deadly Bruce Highway following the fourth death in 18 months in a notorious stretch between Maryborough and Gympie.

Wide Bay Federal MP Llew O’Brien and Capricornia MP Michelle Landra have issued scathing statements on the Bruce Highway overnight following another death on the deadly stretch between Gympie and Maryborough.

Mr O’Brien, a former police officer in the Gympie region, has long campaigned to fix the highway, and was instrumental in having the Cooroy to Curra Bypass of Gympie fast-tracked five years ago.

He said on Friday the high volume of traffic travelling in opposite directions at high speed on the highway needed to be separated to allow room for error, which currently spelt death or injury.

He said Thursday’s “tragic crash on the Bruce Highway at Bauple has claimed a life and left those involved absolutely devastated”.

Wide Bay Federal MP Llew O’Brien and Capricornia MP Michelle Landra have issued scathing statements on the Bruce Highway overnight following another death on the deadly stretch between Gympie and Maryborough.

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all those affected,” he said.

“Since the start of 2023, there have been four fatalities on the Bruce Highway at Bauple. This section of the highway experiences over 10,000 vehicle movements each day.

“According to media reports, today’s crash occurred after a mechanical failure started a chain of events that resulted in a collision between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

“Given the high traffic volume on this major highway, physical separation between lanes is crucial to prevent vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic when something goes wrong.

“Until this section of the Bruce Highway is upgraded to the same standard as the southern parts, with dual lanes and physical separation, I urge all motorists and road users to exercise extra caution.

“This road can quickly turn the unexpected into a tragedy for everyone involved.”

Ms Landry said she had been “deeply saddened by the news trickling in of the tragic crash at Bauple today. I send my heartfelt condolences to all involved”.

“The Bruce Highway is in a dangerous condition. In just one week we have seen too many tragedies from those travelling in Queensland. “Enough is enough. Central Queensland roads are in desperate need of funding and I will continue to fight for the Bruce.”