Dashcam to help police determine the final seconds of Bruce Highway tragedy at Pindi Pindi

A father is lost and his son remains in hospital as police investigate what led up to three-vehicle crash between Mackay and Proserpine.

Police hope blood tests will help determine what contributed to a horrific three-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Townsville man on the Bruce Highway north of Mackay.

Walter Newton, of Oonoonba in Townsville, died at the scene of the three-vehicle head-on crash near Rise and Shine Rd at Pindi Pindi, between Proserpine and Mackay on Friday afternoon.

The 60 year old man was travelling with his son in a Ford ute when the crash occurred about 2.35pm Friday.

Walter Newton senior (front) with his children Maddie, Walter and Alex. Picture: Contributed

A 32-year-old Cannonvale driver of a Holden ute was travelling on the Bruce Highway when police said the vehicle crossed onto the wrong side of the road.

A Toyota Kluger headed south also crashed into the two vehicles.

The Cannonvale driver was taken to Mackay Base Hospital with significant injuries as was Mr Newton’s 19-year-old son, also named Walter Newtown, who was critically injured.

Both are now in a stable condition.

A teenage boy was flown to hospital after a tragic crash that killed his father on the Bruce Highway near Pindi Pindi. Picture: Lillian Watkins.

Forensic Crash Unit Sergeant Michael Hollett said police were waiting for test results from the Cannonvale driver’s blood to determine if alcohol or drugs were involved in the incident.

No charges have been laid.

Sergeant Hollett said they were also investigating whether fatigue or distractions were possible factors in the crash.

He said they were currently gathering witness statements and had also sent dash camera footage from a witness’s vehicle to Brisbane for closer examination.

Mr Newton’s daughter, Maddie Newton, was heartbroken as she said her father was a patient, caring man who had taken on the role of their mother after they lost her suddenly 10 years ago.