CDC Queensland Young’s bus driver killed in Emu Park Road crash

A forensic investigation has been launched after a man died in a crash between a bus and two camels near Rockhampton.

A man aged in his 40s has died after a bus was found crashed down an embankment between Rockhampton and Emu Park on Monday morning.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman described the incident as ‘serious’ and said the road was completely closed for investigations.

Detective Acting Inspector Luke Peachey from Capricorn Crime Group said it was understood the bus had collided with two camels.

The two camels also died as a result of the incident.

“It appears at this stage that a bus has collided with two camels as a result the bus driver has lost his life,” he said.

“That’s now part of our investigation, we have forensic crash unit there who will be investigating and, as you can imagine, that won’t be a quick process.

A man has died after a bus collided with two camels on Emu Park Rd on Monday morning.

“Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of that bus driver.”

Det Act Insp Peachey said the driver of the bus, aged in his 40s, was the sole occupant of the vehicle which was believed to be on its way to Emu Park to start the school pickup run.

A spokesman from CDC Queensland, which acquired Young’s Bus Service in 2021, said they were “deeply saddened” by the loss of one of their own.

“CDC Queensland is deeply saddened that an employee was fatally injured in an accident on Monday, 5 June 2023, in Nankin near Rockhampton in Central Queensland,” the spokesman said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the driver’s family.

“We have made counsellors available at our depot to provide support to workmates and team members.

“The details of the accident are being investigated by police and we are cooperating with relevant authorities.”

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said paramedics were called to Emu Park Road at Nankin about 5.15am after another motorist came across the crash where the bus, with just the driver on board, went over an embankment.

He said it was unclear how long before the scene was found that the crash occurred.

QAS paramedics assessed one patient for critical injuries.

Emu Park Road near the Thompson Point Road intersection remains closed in both directions while forensic crash investigations are carried out - motorists should seek an alternative route.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dash cam vision from the area to come forward.