Officer still “seriously ill” after horror crash, police yet to interview driver

Police are yet to speak with the man who crashed into a marked police van at the weekend, leaving one officer in the Intensive Care Unit and two other officers injured.

Police are yet to speak with the man who crashed into a marked police van at the weekend, leaving one officer in the Intensive Care Unit and two others injured.

The senior constable who was driving the police van when it collided head-on with a ute in Caboolture South on Saturday remains in hospital, and is still seriously ill, police say.

“The Senior Constable is still seriously ill, he has undergone further operations and police have been in communication with his family who are by his bedside,” District Officer, Superintendent John Hallam said in a statement provided to The Courier-Mail.

“It will be a long road to recovery but the Queensland Police Service will be standing by him and his family the whole way.”

David Nichols, who was driving the ute when it ploughed into the police van also remains seriously injured in hospital.

Police are yet to interview David Nichols after the ute he was driving collided with a marked police van at the weekend. Picture: Facebook

Detectives are yet to be able to speak to him while he receives treatment.

Police are yet to determine if drugs or alcohol played a part in the crash, and have not yet revealed whether Nichols intended to plough into the police vehicle.

The Forensic Crash Unit and Scientific Officers continue their investigations, however police Commissioner Katarina Carroll earlier this week revealed police believe Nichols made no attempt to slow the ute before colliding with police.

Investigations into the crash remain ongoing, with investigators yet to lay any potential charges.

Emergency services on scene of a crash between a ute and a police van on Saturday. Picture Brisbane Incident Alert

Commissioner Carroll claimed it was “a miracle” no one had died in the crash, while Supt Hallam said it was extremely lucky.

“The crash was horrific, with extensive damage to both vehicles, we are extremely lucky it was not a fatality,” Supt Hallam said.

“The constable and recruit who were also in the car were discharged from hospital on Monday and are recovering at home. QPS will take advice from them and their doctors as to when they are prepared to return to work.

“QPS has been overwhelmed by messages of support and comfort from the community.”

If you can help investigators, contact Policelink 131444.