Motorcyclist killed in crash with road train on Peak Downs Highway, west of Fitzroy Development Rd

A motorcyclist has died after crashing into the back of a turning road train in a horror incident that has left police unable to comprehend, as they issue a warning to motorists.

Google Maps image of the Peak Downs Highway, west of Fitzroy Development Rd. Picture: Google

Police have issued a warning after a motorcyclist was killed when he crashed into the back of a turning road train, southwest of Mackay.

The crash occurred on the eastbound Peak Downs Highway at Strathfield, about 2km west of Fitzroy Development Rd about 8.30am on Monday.

The motorcyclist, a 46-year-old Moranbah man, was travelling east along the highway when his motorcycle collided with the rear of the road train.

Forensic Crash Unit Sergeant Michael Hollett said the truck had been turning out of a property along the highway to head east towards Nebo.

Sergeant Hollett said a witness saw the truck turning out onto the highway, and added that for some reason the bike had run into the back of it.

He said investigations indicated there had been plenty of time for the rider to see and slow down for the truck.

“He had a clear 400m view to the driveway where the truck was turning out,” Sergeant Hollett said.

“We cannot understand why he did not see the truck.”

Mackay Forensic Crash Unit Officer in Charge Sergeant Michael Hollett. Picture: Lillian Watkins.

 
Sergeant Hollett said the tragedy served as a warning for motorists on the highway that was heavily travelled by larger vehicles such as road trains.

Regarding larger vehicles like road trains, which could take time turning onto a main road, Sergeant Hollett said other road users needed “to be considerate for the truck or vehicle” and give them time to turn out.

The highway, close to Stanmore’s South Walker Creek mine and the Coppabella Mine, was closed in both directions for the Forensic Crash Unit to inspect the scene and gather evidence.

It is the second fatal motorcycle crash in the region in just days after Jofarn Tapim, 27, was killed in a crash with a cow wandering on the road in Glenella, Mackay in the early hours of Sunday, and brought the Mackay district’s road toll to 20 deaths from 16 crashes since January 1.

Mr Tapim’s partner Phoebe Robinson, who is pregnant with his child, shared an emotional tribute about Jofarn, describing him as “my one, my world”, with a collage of photos of them and their unborn baby.