Bruce Highway crash leaves motorbike rider critical

Emergency crews are at a crash north of Mackay where a motorcycle rider is in critical condition with multiple injuries.

Emergency crews are on the scene of a motorcycle crash north of Mackay along the Bruce Highway at the overtaking lane near the Leap Hotel. Tuesday, December 6, 2022. Picture: Zoe Devenport.

A motorcycle rider is in critical condition following a crash on the Bruce Highway north of Mackay.

Emergency crews including police and paramedics were called to the scene about 400m north of the Maraju-Yakapari Rd turn-off near The Leap about 9.40am.

When police arrived shortly after 10am, the male rider was conscious and breathing.

Emergency crews are on the scene of a motorcycle crash north of Mackay along the Bruce Highway at the overtaking lane near the Leap Hotel. Tuesday, December 6, 2022. Picture: Zoe Devenport.

Sergeant James Brunton said the motorcycle rider was travelling north on a Triumph when the single vehicle crash occurred in the overtaking lane towards Mackay.

“He’s left the side of the road,” Sergeant Brunton said.

“At this stage we’re unsure as to why the motorbike has left the road.

“Forensic Crash are on scene investigating the cause of the traffic crash. One male adult has been transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious condition.”

#TheLeap - A patient in a critical condition is being treated at the scene of a motorcycle crash reported on the Bruce Highway at 9.41am.

— Queensland Ambulance (@QldAmbulance) December 6, 2022

Sgt Brunton could not confirm the driver’s age.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said a critical care paramedic crew was called to the crash where the rider was in critical condition.

The rider suffered significant head, chest and leg injuries and has since been taken to Mackay Base Hospital.

The highway remains open to traffic as QPS Forensic Crash Unit officers investigate the incident.