Jessika Ryan was seriously injured in motorcycle crash on Denison and Derby Streets

A 20-year-old single mother from Rockhampton was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle when it collided with a car. She has just come out of a coma and has already had five surgeries with many more to come. Read how you can help.

Jessika Ryan lies in a hospital bed with more than 70 broken bones and a punctured lung, barely able to talk and in a lot of pain.

The 20 year-old single mother was seriously injured in a motorcycle and vehicle crash on Denison and Derby streets, Rockhampton City on February 16.

She was the passenger on a motorbike being ridden by her friend, Duane Warcon, 30, when the bike collided with a BMW sedan on Wednesday, February 16.

Medical assistance was given to Mr Warcon but he sadly died at the scene.

Ms Ryan was rushed to Rockhampton Hospital in a serious condition where she still remains.

Speaking to this publication, Ms Ryan’s mother Kristy said her daughter had a punctured lung and more than 70 broken bones including her legs, arms, ankles, fingers, toes and ribs and had already had five surgeries on her arm and leg and still needs to have more.

She came out of a coma on Sunday and is slowly waking up but is still on a breathing tube.

“She’s not good at all, she talks in small conversations then goes back to sleep,” her Mum said.

“She is in a lot of pain … my poor girl.”

A Go Fund Me account has been created to support Ms Ryan and her family with $994 raised by Tuesday afternoon.

“As a single mother and only receiving Centrelink due to not being able work, things are going to be hard with accommodation,” Kristy said.

Earlier this month, RACQ named the Denison and Derby Street intersection as the fourth worst in the state.

According to data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, there have been seven serious crashes and 11 serious casualties at the intersection from 2018 to 2021.

A petition for immediate action to make the intersection safer has been created by Rockhampton resident Michelle Traill who works nearby.

“On this intersection there are daily near misses with screeching of brakes as people approach a marked stop signed cross road, crossing over the train lines,” she wrote.

“Most near misses involve vehicles, not trains.”

Ms Traill has called for TMR to do a feasibility study and look at the options of cameras, traffic lights or speed bumps.

The intersection is unique in that a train line runs down the middle of the street, making a roundabout and other safety measures not possible.

The road is controlled by the local government.

“The accident that occurred on the Derby and Denison Street intersection was tragic and our condolences go out to the families involved,” Rockhampton region councillor Ellen Smith said.

“The appropriate authorities will undertake a comprehensive investigation and we will work with them as required.

“We are investigating future works in the Derby St corridor to make it safer for everyone and these works will be considered as part of future applications for Black Spot funding.”

Queensland Rail responded a request for comment about the intersection with the following statement from Head of Regional Jim Benstead.

“While there are no current plans to upgrade the level crossing or track infrastructure through the Denison and Derby Street intersection in Rockhampton, Queensland Rail is open to working with the local community, council and Queensland Police Service to identify any potential safety improvements.”

Speaking about the crash last week, Capricornia Police District Acting Superintendent Mark Burgess said police had ongoing discussions regarding the safety of the intersection.

“Certainly we have seen a series of events there, but what the message is, regardless of what the intersection is like, you need to drive to the conditions, people need to take care, people need to ensure they look before they proceed, people need to make those judgment calls, that‘s where we are seeing the errors,” he said.

Donate to the Go Fund Me to support Jessika Ryan here.