Peak Downs highway shut at Walkerston after serious traffic crash
Initial investigations have revealed how the shocking crash on the Peak Downs Highway near Walkerston happened. READ THE LATEST
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A South Mackay woman is in a serious condition following a shocking three-vehicle crash on the Peak Downs Highway earlier today.
Paramedics took the 67-year-old woman to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition and she has since been flown to Townsville for further treatment.
Two men in their 50s and a child of primary school age suffered minor injuries and were taken to Mackay Base Hospital for further assessment.
The smash-up happened just after 8am south of Walkerston, next to the cemetery.
“Initial investigations indicate a white Toyota Corolla travelling west on Mackay-Eungella road towards Walkerston turned right onto Palms Road and collided with a green Toyota Landcruiser travelling westbound,” the police said in a statement.
“The Toyota then collided with an oncoming Nissan Navara travelling eastbound.”
The highway was closed in both directions with diversions put in place but it reopened about 11.30am.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said firefighters used hydraulic cutting equipment to extricate a person from a vehicle.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the crash and police have appealed to witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam vision to come forward.
Walkerston residents are being asked to reduce their water use in the wake of the incident.
Mackay Regional Council state one of the vehicles had crashed into the water pump station opposite the cemetery, damaging the building.
It states Water Services are unable to fill the reservoir which is Walkerston’s only water source.
“This may cause low water pressure later today as the level in the reservoir reduces,” the council states.
“Until further notice, residents are asked to only use internal household water to assist council to manage this issue.”
The council states it is working to structurally assess the water pump station building before the vehicle can be removed.
“Power is off and chlorine on site has been made safe,” it states.
The crash comes after a car and cement truck collided in the Whitsunday region earlier on Tuesday.
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