Norville man charged over Kalkie crash that killed businesswoman

A man has been accused of causing a crash that left a much-loved Bundaberg businesswoman dead and others seriously injured.

Businesswoman Sonja Pressler-McHugh, 57, of Bargara, was declared dead at a crash in Kalkie last year.

A man has been charged following a crash that killed a popular Bundaberg region businesswoman last year.

Police alleged about 8.20pm on November 1, a 2021 Mazda CX-8 and a 1994 Nissan Pathfinder were involved in a head-on collision on Fe Walker Street in Kalkie.

Businesswoman Sonja Pressler-McHugh, 57, of Bargara, was declared dead at the crash.

The other three occupants of the Mazda were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Nissan, a 47-year-old Norville man, was also taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Sonja Pressler-McHugh and Demi Pressler-McHugh.

The Norville man has been charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and grievous bodily harm and learning to drive must be properly supervised.

He is due to appear in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on May 16.

Following the crash, Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn, Mrs Pressler-McHugh’s cousin, remembered the owner of McHugh Steel as “an indomitable personality” as well as “industrious, caring, intelligent”.

Mrs Pressler-McHugh was a mother and grandmother.

The businesswoman and her husband, Robert McHugh, established McHugh Steel, formerly Outback Sheds, in 1992.

Over the years, the business became a cornerstone of the local construction sector, earning a reputation for quality and personalised service.

Originally published as Norville man charged over Kalkie crash that killed businesswoman