Madonna and Scott Elsmore’s recovery from Bruce Highway horror head on crash

A mother’s trip to visit loved ones in Brisbane ended with a fatal head-on crash that left her in ICU for 10 days. Now a regional community is rallying behind her for a difficult journey ahead.

A regional community is rallying to support a woman who was visiting loved ones in Brisbane when a head on crash changed her life forever, leaving her in ICU for 10 days with more than 30 fractures.

On Wednesday March 23, Bundaberg’s Scott and Madonna Elsmore were driving home after visiting loved ones in Brisbane when they were involved in a head on crash on the Bruce Highway near the Fraser Coast town Torbanlea.

One of the vehicles involved in the head-on crash. Picture: Carlie Walker

Paramedics treated three patients at the scene of the two-vehicle crash.

The driver of a Holden Statesman, 49-year-old Julie Morris from Torbanlea, was killed in the crash despite the best efforts of passers-by and emergency services.

Madonna and Scott Elsmore, both 44-years-old, were travelling in a Kia Carnival.

The aftermath of a fatal crash on the Bruce Hwy north of Maryborough on Wednesday night. Picture: Carlie Walker

Mrs Elsmore was taken to a Brisbane hospital for her injuries, and Mr Elsmore to Hervey Bay Hospital.

Early indications were that the sedan, travelling in the southbound lanes, crossed onto the wrong side of the highway and collided with the Elsmores’ car.

Investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit are ongoing.

Close friends of the Elsmore family have since started a GoFundMe page to support the Bundaberg couple, which has already raised more than $7000.

Kerri Buttery organised the fundraiser with the support of Kylie Musgrove.

Bundaberg couple Scott and Madonna Elsmore with their four children. Photo – Facebook.

“Our beautiful Madonna and amazing husband Scott Elsmore were involved in a tragic head-on collision,” Ms Buttery said.

“The impact of the collision was so severe that the jaws of life were needed to cut Madonna from the car.”

Mr Elsmore suffered a broken rib, lacerations and bruises from the crash.

“Madonna’s injuries, however, were far worse, and she was helicoptered to Brisbane in a critical condition,” Ms Buttery said.

“Madonna spent 10 days in the ICU suffering from a wide range of horrific injuries, including a compound fracture in her left femur, broken right foot, broken right wrist and 15 fractures in her right hand.

“Madonna also suffered 10 fractured ribs, a fractured sternum, and three fractured vertebrae in her upper and lower back.”

On Wednesday March 23, Bundaberg couple Scott and Madonna Elsmore were driving home after visiting loved ones in Brisbane when they were involved in a head on crash. Picture: Facebook

Since then, Mrs Elsmore has undergone multiple surgeries to reset and wire her bones back together.

Unfortunately, daily setbacks of blood clots, a partially collapsed lung, and infections have followed.

To allow her body to heal, she will be non-weight bearing for at least the next six to eight weeks and is currently unable to move without support.

Her reported recovery and treatment plan is for her to be in hospital for at least the next four months.

“Mrs Elsmore will undergo daily rehabilitation from physios, OTs, and psychologists and receive full-time care. Further surgeries for her hand will also need to take place,” Ms Buttery said.

“Our beautiful Madonna is a beloved wife and mother to four gorgeous children, a beautiful daughter, an amazing sister, and an incredible friend.

Bundaberg couple Scott and Madonna Elsmore with their four children. Photo – Facebook.

“We know the next 12 months are going to be the most difficult they have ever faced together. Madonna and Scott would never ask for help or assistance themselves, so we ask for them, and they need your help.”

Just last week Mrs Elsmore made significant progress, and for the first time since the accident was moved from her hospital bed to a chair.

“This is a huge deal given her 10 broken ribs and fractured sternum. She has also been on the tilt bed and standing on her right leg which has the broken foot and supported by a moon boot,” Ms Buttery said.

On Wednesday March 23, Bundaberg couple Scott and Madonna Elsmore were driving home after visiting loved ones in Brisbane when they were involved in a head on crash. Photo – Facebook.

“She has also now managed to sit on the edge of the bed.

“She is very overwhelmed from everyone’s support.

Her children visited in the holidays and have now returned to Bundaberg. “Scott is with Madonna supporting her from 8am to 8pm daily.

“It is going to be a very long road to recovery.”