Driver in fatal Bruce Highway crash kept behind bars

A Townsville man whose car allegedly ploughed through a line of queued traffic, killing a mother and a well-known bar manager, has faced court over drug possession.

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A TOWNSVILLE man who allegedly ploughed his car through a line of queued traffic, killing a mother and a well-known bar manager, will remain behind bars on remand.

Ayden John McLennan faced the Townsville Magistrates Court on June 24, 2021. Photo: Facebook.

Ayden John McLennan, 31, did not appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Thursday but was represented by his lawyer after he was charged with possessing dangerous drugs.

Police will allege they found drugs in the wreckage of his LandCruiser at the scene of a double fatal crash on the Bruce Highway on Tuesday night.

Photograph from the scenes of the Crystal Creek (Mutarnee) accidents on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham on Tuesday Wednesday. Photograph: Cameron Bates

Witnesses at the crash say the LandCruiser crashed into the back of a Mazda 3 before propelling over the car and hitting a Mitsubishi Lancer ahead in the line.

Holly Stewart, 26, and Daniel Mitchell, 23, died in the crash.

McLennan was arrested at the crash scene and has been kept in custody since early Wednesday morning.

McLennan’s lawyer Andrew Peel said his client was allegedly in possession of 25 grams of methamphetamine.

Mr Peel told Magistrate Steven Mosch further charges were “no doubt forthcoming”.

Photograph from the scenes of the Crystal Creek (Mutarnee) accidents on the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham on Tuesday Wednesday. Photograph: Cameron Bates

No application for bail was made and McLennan was remanded in custody.

The charge was adjourned to August 24 for further mention.

Originally published as Driver in fatal Bruce Highway crash kept behind bars