Bruce Highway closed after multi vehicle crash at Mackay
The Bruce Highway was closed at Mackay after a multi vehicle crash. It followed a horror track collision at Moranbah which killed a local father.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Bruce Highway was shut down at Mackay on Tuesday morning after a multi vehicle crash. It followed a horror track crash at Moranbah on the weekend which killed a local father.
The highway was shut at The Leap north of Mackay after the crash between at least three vehicles.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said crews were called to the scene near Mapalo Rd about 6.30am.
He said police officers had set up a detour via Balnagowan Rd southbound and Nebia-Coningsby Rd northbound while the crash was cleared.
“A few people were shaken up but (there were) no serious injuries,” the spokesman said.
He said there were at least three vehicles involved but the highway was reopened as of 7.35am.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said paramedics assessed four people at the scene but two declined transport to Mackay Base Hospital.
The crash comes after 46-year-old Quarrico truck driver, James Rolph, died when his prime mover rolled after colliding with a road train along Moranbah Access Rd, near Cunningham Way, about 9.40am Sunday.
Julie Bennett said Mr Rolph, her co-worker, would be “sorely missed”.
“James was a kind person, he would help anyone who asked,” Ms Bennett said.
“A great, loving father to his children. An exceptional workmate.
“A GoFundMe page will be set up for donations to support his children.”
Police said the Forensic Crash Unit was investigating how the crash occurred and was appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or had relevant dashcam or CCTV vision to come forward.
The speed limit along the road was reduced in 2014 after Isaac Regional Council cited safety concerns including traffic flow at the Moranbah Access Rd and Cunningham Way intersection, and the narrowness of the Grosvenor Creek Bridge.
There have been multiple deaths on Moranbah Access Rd including in 2017 when 17-year-old Aaron Burns died after a dual cab ute he was driving rolled several times.
Sunday’s fatality marks the twelfth death on Mackay Isaac Whitsunday roads this year and the seventh since July 3.
Two men arrested for alleged brutal attack of fisherman
Mackay police have arrested two men following the alleged assault of a Sarina fisherman that left him with serious injuries requiring treatment in a Townsville hospital.
‘You take us for complete mugs’: Serial pest hit with $10k fine
A serial offender has claimed he’s seen the error in his ways and wants to go to rehabilitation after he was picked up on a six-month crime spree featuring dodgy cocaine.