Duane Tate Troy Power court case over death of JCU medical student Wangige Kiumbura adjourned

A driver accused of causing an explosive crash that claimed the life of a young medical student will see his matters progress.

BMA CQ Rescue was tasked to Proserpine after the horror crash on the Bruce Highway at Myrtlevale. The AW139 landed on the highway and transported the man in his 60s for further treatment at Mackay Base Hospital. Picture: BMA CQ Rescue

The man who allegedly caused a horror Bruce Highway crash that killed a James Cook University medical student has had his matters adjourned so documents could be filed to have his matter progressed to the District Court.

Duane Tate Troy Power was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death whilst adversely affected by an intoxicating substance and driving under the influence of liquor, relating to a two-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway in Myrtlevale on September 15.

Solicitor for Harvey Legal, Laura Santin, appeared via phone on behalf of Mr Power in the Proserpine Magistrates court on Monday where the court heard registry committal documents were being signed and filed with the court so that the matter could proceed to the District Court.

Fifth year James Cook University medical student Wangige Kiumbura was killed when her BMW exploded into flames following a head-on crash on the Bruce Highway at Myrtlevale, just after 5pm on September 15.

Mr Power is alleged to have been driving the ute when it crashed into the BMW of James Cook University medical student Wangige Kiumbura, travelling home to Mackay around 5pm.

Her BMW exploded into flames after the head on collision, and she died at the scene.

Ms Kiumbura was buried in Townsville on October 2.

Aftermath of a crash which killed a 22 year old woman from Mackay, on the Bruce Highway near Myrtlevale on August 15, 2024. Picture: Facebook

The James Cook University community paid tribute to the fifth-year student saying she was an “exceptionally talented young singer, student and most of all friend to all those who knew her, particularly those in Townsville and Mackay.”

“As someone who committed herself to numerous extracurricular pursuits over the years, perhaps Wangige’s greatest ability was to make everyone feel uniquely special when interacting with her; as if you were the only person in the room,” the university said.

“It is clear she was a vibrant and much-loved peer in the JCU medicine cohort, and she will be profoundly missed.”

The case was adjourned to 14 July.