Deeragun fatal accident: Family grieve loss of daughter in e-scooter crash

The driver of the SUV involved in a crash that claimed the life of a ‘bright and bubbly’ 15-year-old girl in Townsville has expressed deep sorrow, stating that everyone involved was ‘in the wrong place at the wrong time.’

Flowers left at the scene of a three-vehicle accident that claimed the life of a 15-year-old Northern Beaches girl at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Deeragun Rd late Monday afternoon. Picture: Jami Roberts

The teenage victim of a fatal e-scooter accident in Townsville on Monday has been remembered as a beautiful young woman as her grieving family struggles to cope with the enormity of their loss.

“She was an amazing young lady who had a bright and bubbly personality,” family friend Brooke Kruger shared in a GoFundMe campaign.

“She was very cheeky, everyone loved her at her school as well as her family.”

The tragic accident occurred at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Deeragun Road late Monday afternoon, involving an e-scooter, a Mitsubishi Pajero SUV, and a motorbike.

The 15-year-old girl riding the e-scooter, a student at Townsville Community Learning Centre, was declared deceased at the scene.

The scene of the crash Monday night. Picture: Leighton Smith/Townsville Bulletin

In the aftermath of the incident, a person claiming to be the driver of the white SUV involved in the accident took to Facebook to express deep sorrow.

Reflecting on the tragedy, they wrote, “Unfortunately, the sweet teenage girl, the gentleman on the motorcycle, and I, the driver of the white SUV, were all in the wrong place at the wrong time. If there was anything I could have done to prevent this, or any way I could go back in time to alleviate the pain for everyone involved, I would.”

The driver also extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the teenage girl, stating, “To the young lady and her loved ones, I am beyond devastated and truly sorry for what has happened. If there were any way I could have avoided this or somehow been in a different place, I would do anything to take away the pain and suffering you are enduring.”

The Facebook post concluded with thanks to those who supported the driver in the immediate aftermath of the accident: “I want to specifically thank the two women who came to my side and supported me through the worst experience of my life. You comforted me and stayed by my side, and I cannot thank you enough for that.”

The tragic incident has left the Townsville community in shock as they rally around the victim’s family.

Tributes for the young girl continue to pour in, with friends, family and community members leaving flowers by the roadside of the crash site in Deeragun.

EARLIER

Heartfelt tributes, including bright pink flowers and a small stuffed toy, now mark the spot of a tragic crash that took the life of a 15-year-old girl in Townsville.

The crash unfolded at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Deeragun Rd late Monday afternoon, with police and paramedics rushing to the scene shortly after 5pm.

Initial police investigations suggest the incident involved a collision between an e-scooter, a Mitsubishi Pajero, and a motorbike.

Tragically the e-scooter rider, a 15-year-old girl from Townsville, was declared deceased at the scene.

A 15-year-old girl riding an e-scooter has been killed in an accident at an intersection of the Bruce Highway and Deeragun Rd at Deeragun. Photo: Jami Roberts

On Tuesday, the intersection became a place of mourning, as family members and the locals stopped to leave flowers and pay their respects to a young life lost far too soon.

A 65-year-old motorcyclist from Ingham was transported to Townsville Hospital with spinal and internal injuries, though they are believed to be non-life-threatening.

The 36-year-old Townsville woman driving the Pajero was not injured.

The scene of the crash Monday night. Picture: Leighton Smith/Townsville Bulletin

The Bruce Highway was closed for several hours following the crash but has since reopened. Investigations, led by the Forensic Crash Unit, are ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the inquiry.

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto offered sympathies to the girl’s family and friends in the wake of the tragedy.

“On behalf of the Hinchinbrook electorate, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to family and friends of the young lady who tragically lost her life last night along Woolcock street, Deeragun,” Mr Dametto said.

“Fifteen is too young, and too short a life. Today she will be in our prayers.

“I would also like to offer our prayers and support to the others involved or horribly injured during this catastrophic accident.”

Townsville Division 2 candidate Brodie Phillips echoed the thoughts.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of a 15-year-old female following an accident yesterday afternoon,” Mr Phillips said.

“My thoughts are with her family and friends, and those who attended the scene.

“No matter the circumstances, it is a timely reminder that no matter how you get around, please take care and look out for others.”

Originally published as Deeragun fatal accident: Family grieve loss of daughter in e-scooter crash