Boy, 12, dies in Mareeba e-scooter crash

A 12-year-old boy who tragically died following an e-scooter crash in Far North Queensland was not meant to be riding alone, police have confirmed, as their investigation turns towards examining the child’s scooter.

Police officer Senior Sergeant Scott Ezzard of the Forensic Crash Unit wheels an electric scooter into the Mareeba police station, following the death of a local boy in a scooter crash on Strattmann Street, Mareeba. Picture: Brendan Radke

A 12-year-old boy who tragically died following an e-scooter crash in Far North Queensland on Tuesday night was not meant to be riding alone, police have confirmed, as their investigation turns towards examining the child’s scooter.

Police will investigate whether the e-scooter involved in a fatal crash had been tampered with mechanically. Picture: Brendan Radke

Police will investigate whether the e-scooter involved in the crash had been mechanically tampered with, along with other factors, after the boy crashed into a stationary vehicle on Tuesday, at Strattmann St, Mareeba.

Far North region district duty officer Senior Sergeant Duane Amos also dispelled rumours suggesting a police car may have been involved in the incident.

It is understood a driver passing by called emergency services after noticing the boy on the ground.

Snr-Sgt Amos said it was not known how long the boy had been there, but emergency services arrived “very shortly” after the call.

“The young man required medical attention, and unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the first responders that the child was unable to be saved,” he said.

Sen-Sgt Amos said investigators had possession of the e-scooter to examine its make, model and potential modifications and more broadly would be investigating whether the boy was wearing a helmet and the general environment of the scene.

Scene of a fatal scooter crash at Strattman Street, Mareeba where a child crashed into a parked utility late on Tuesday night, and died from his injuries. Picture: Brendan Radke

“If there’s anything that exceeds or has been tampered with that is not in accordance with the Australian design regulations – they are factors that are reported to the coroner.

“And sadly with the internet ... it doesn’t take too much for the average punter to be able to review that.

“And if I can find how to fix my mower, a lot of these people can find how to do those minor adjustments and change the speed limiters on those vehicles.”

Sen-Sgt Amos said early investigations suggested the boy was riding on his own.

In Queensland, to ride a personal mobility device you must be 16 or older, those 12 years or older are permitted to ride with a supervising adult and kids younger than 12 are not permitted.

The Mareeba fatal marks the fifth e-scooter fatality in Queensland this year, and the seventh fatality on Far Northern roads.

Emergency services first responded to reports a male teenager had fallen from his scooter on Strattmann Street about 10.50pm.

Mareeba is a rural town 63km from Cairns.

Originally published as Boy, 12, dies in Mareeba e-scooter crash