Three dead in two separate crashes on Bruce Hwy north of Townsville

The shocking aftermath of two fatal crashes that occurred just 2km apart on the Bruce Hwy near Townsville overnight has been revealed in a series of confronting pictures.

Three people have died, and several others have been injured following two separate crashes in Far North Queensland overnight.

About 6.30pm a truck and Mitsubishi Lancer collided head-on on the Bruce Hwy near Barrett Road at Mutarnee, just north of Townsville.

Emergency services at the scene of a horrific crash on the Bruce Highway near Mutarnee on Tuesday night. Picture: Craig Warhurst.

The driver of the Lancer, a 27-year-old Bambaroo man, died at the scene. The truck driver, a 60-year-old Beenleigh man, was seriously injured and taken to hospital.

Almost three hours later and about 2km north, a Toyota LandCruiser crashed into a stationary Mazda 3, causing that vehicle to crash into a Mitsubishi Lancer, which in turn hit another 4WD.

The driver of the Mazda 3, a 26-year-old Bushland Beach woman, died at the scene.

A 23-year-old Atherton man, the driver of the Lancer, was given first aid by passers-by and emergency services, but also died at the scene.

Vehicles being towed from the scene of last night's crashes at Mutarnee

Three other people travelling in the 4WD were treated for minor injuries at the scene.

The driver of the LandCruiser, a 31-year-old Mundingburra man, was taken into police custody and transported to hospital with minor injuries.

QAS Senior Operations Supervisor (Townsville) Wayne Paxton said it had been a difficult night for some QAS officers who had to attend both fatal crashes.

Vehicles being towed from the scene of last night's crashes at Mutarnee

“Unfortunately it was a very traumatic night on the roads here in Townsville, with the two separate fatal incidents on the Bruce Hwy” Mr Paxton said.

“I know it impacts QAS staff quite significantly, where you’ve got them attending quite an acute job with fatalities involved,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we had some officers present at both incidents, so they’ve got two vivid memories that they now have to manage and deal with the horrific scenes they’ve been confronted with.”

The truck involved in the first collision north of Townsville

Mr Paxton said the QAS had a good priority service where staff members can contact and are contacted following traumatic incidents to assist them with any of their needs.

With almost 130 lives lost on our roads this year, police are reminding motorists every decision they make behind the wheel counts.

The Bruce Highway is expected to be closed in both directions until midmorning.

Officers from the Forensic Crash Unit are continuing investigations of both crashes.

Vehicles being towed from the scene of last night's crashes at Mutarnee

Originally published as Three dead in two separate crashes on Bruce Hwy north of Townsville