Courtney Rebecca Simmons charged with Alligator Creek crash on Bruce Highway

A young mum faced court for the first time after she allegedly caused a horrific crash that critically injured a 29-year-old man.

A young mum faced court for the first time after she allegedly caused a horrific crash that critically injured a 29-year-old man.

A young mum faced court for the first time after she allegedly caused a horrific Bruce Highway crash that critically injured a 29-year-old man.

Courtney Rebecca Simmons (nee Van Damme) was involved in a two-car collision near Alligator Creek that sent a silver 1997 Toyota LandCruiser flipping down an embankment and injured its three passengers.

Courtney Rebecca Simmons faced court for the first time after a crash on the Bruce Highway left a Sarina man with critical injuries. Photo: Zoe Devenport

A Queensland Police statement said Ms Simmons was not hurt in the August 18 crash, but the others were taken to Mackay Base Hospital and a 29-year-old passenger later flown to Townsville University Hospital.

“Initial investigations indicate … a grey 2022 Hyundai Palisade was turning onto the Bruce Highway from Perry Rd when it collided with (the) oncoming four-wheel drive,” the statement said.

The Bruce Highway was shut in both directions near Alligator Creek south of Mackay after a ute and car crash. Picture: Contributed

“The four-wheel-drive … swerved before losing control and rolling multiple times down an embankment.

“The driver, a 19-year-old Sarina man, and his passenger, a 45-year-old Sarina man, were taken to Mackay Base Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

 Ms Simmons is charged with driving without due care and attention causing grievous bodily harm and appeared for her first mention at Sarina Magistrates Court on Monday.

Sarina Courthouse

Her defence lawyer Robert Beamish, instructed by McKays Solicitors, asked for an adjournment to the next call-over in 2024 to give his client legal advice.

“Sure, it is serious,” Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan agreed.

“You’ll need that time.”

Ms Simmons’ matters were adjourned to the February call-over.