Horror Southern Downs crash leaves multiple people dead

Police have revealed insight into the suspected cause of the devastating Southern Downs crash that saw four women aged in the 20s killed instantly when their car collided with a truck. Latest details:

The four young women who died in a crash near Stanthorpe on Wednesday night had been in the country for just weeks before they were killed in a horror collision with a semi-trailer.

Assistant police commissioner Mike Condon said the Korean nationals aged in their 20s died instantly, with early investigations suggesting they pulled out in front of the heavy vehicle.

“It’s early stages but it would appear that it’s just a simple fail to give way and (the car) moved out onto the highway and was struck on the driver’s side of the vehicle,” he said.

Mr Condon said after impact, “the truck and vehicle moved down the road until the truck could stop”.

The truck driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries and emotional distress.

Police are providing support to the truck driver who is reportedly “in a state of shock” and devastated by the tragedy.

The victims worked at a nearby orchard and had only been in Australia for a matter of weeks, with Mr Condon saying this likely played a part in the crash.

Four women were killed in a horror crash near Stanthorpe on Wednesday.

“It reinforces the issue we constantly have with backpackers not understanding our road rules,” he said.

“We have a program where the road policing unit works with the backpacker program to reinforce the road rules but I just want to get the message out there for all people to abide by the road rules and be careful out there.”

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the crash had sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

“It is a very, very sad day for the families and my heart goes out to them,” he said.

“It must be terrible for the truck driver, as well. He will have to live with that forever and I can’t imagine what he is feeling like today.”

Police are urging people to take precautions when heading out on the road ahead of the Easter long weekend and follow the Fatal Five.

“There’s a lot more traffic on the road at this time of year and people are getting back to normality after Covid and it’s very important we all reflect on the manner in which we drive to get to our destinations over the Easter period,” Mr Condon said.

The forensic crash unit is expected to return to the scene today, with motorists warned to expect possible delays.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of the highway and Sawmill Rd at the Summit at 5.36pm Wednesday.

Crews remain on the scene, with early reports suggesting the truck was travelling north on the highway when it collided with the car.

The road has reopened after being been closed following the crash, with delays expected to continue throughout Thursday.