Father, four-year-old son killed in crash in Brisbane’s south

Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in the horror Australia Day crash on Brisbane’s bayside that killed a man – who has now been identified – and his four-year-old son.

The crash at Chelsea Rd and Rickett Rd in Ransome.

Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in a horrific crash on Brisbane’s bayside on Sunday.

Brisbane automotive enthusiast, builder, husband, and father of three Chris Vrbesic was the driver killed in the crash at Ransome.

Chris Vrbesic died at the scene.

His four-year-old son died later in hospital.

Mr Vrbesic, from Manly West, was at the wheel of his classic, limited-edition Holden Commodore VK Brock sedan when the two-car crash occurred at the intersection of Rickertt Rd and Chelsea Rd, Ransome.

His four-year-old son was taken to the Queensland Children’s Hospital, where he later died.

Mr Vrbesic was a project manager at his company Innate Developments, a company that specialises in residential and commercial construction.

At the crash scene, the blue Holden was overturned in a ditch, with the red Mitsubishi lodged underneath its chassis. Debris surrounded the area.

Police said a blue Holden Commodore and red Mitsubishi Lancer travelling on Rickertt Rd collided just before 9am on Australia Day, at the intersection with Chelsea Rd in Ransome.

It is understood the vehicles T-boned at the intersection.

The crash scene. Picture: Steve Pohlner

A friend of Mr Vrbesic, who asked not to be named, went to the crash scene Sunday afternoon to pay his respects.

He described Mr Vrbesic as a “family man”.

“The guy was a family man, he helped so many people, he had such a big f**king heart,” the friend said.

“I think you’re going to find this will be one of those tragedies … thousands of people it is going to affect.”

Police at the scene of the fatal accident on Sunday. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The man said he was struggling to process what had happened.

“I just can’t understand how something like this has happened,” he said.

“It just doesn’t make sense.”

The driver and sole occupant of the Mitsubishi, a 29-year-old Birkdale man, was taken to the PA Hospital with minor injuries.

Mr Vrbesic was a well-known member of the tight-knit automotive community in Brisbane and was a regular visitor to Joe’s Diner, an iconic fast food cafe at Eagle Farm that is popular with car and motorcycle enthusiasts.

In a statement, Joe’s Diner management described the incident as “absolutely tragic” and said their “thoughts are with the family”.

“Our condolences go out to all involved. Absolutely tragic. Chris was a top guy and now a father and son are gone way too soon. Thoughts are with the family.”

The scene was described as horrific. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Tributes have flowed online for the pair.

“What more can you say that (sic) it sucks!,” wrote Robert Dolley on Facebook.

“My deepest condolences to the family and friends. I don’t think there’s a single person in the car community who isn’t feeling something about what happened today at that intersection. A dad out for a good day with his son going to a car show no doubt and now won’t go home.

“Somewhere that poor family tonight won’t be tucking in their little boy and that rips the heart out of your chest thinking that poor dad just wanted to have a good day out with his boy.

“It’s small, but the only thing you can take from it was they were together. RIP up there guys.”

Police at the scene of the accident at the intersection of Rickett Rd and Chelsea Rd. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Cars and Coffee at CAFE ELLA also paid tribute to Mr Vrbesic and his son on social media.

“I’m heartbroken and lost for words,” they wrote.

“A dear customer of ours has sadly passed away with his four-year-old child.

“The young man was a regular at Cafe Elle and attended our Cars and Coffee (Saturday) morning.

“My heart goes out to their family and loved ones that have suffered a great loss.”

Seven of Clubs Mazda Car Club Qld said Mr Vrbesic was a member of their club for many years.

“Chris has been a member of the club for many years and will be dearly missed by all,” they wrote.

“Rest in peace my friend.”

A local resident described the crash to The Courier-Mail as “horrific” and “tragic”.

Police at the scene on Sunday. Picture: Steve Pohlner

He said while he didn’t witness the crash, his wife drove past minutes after the crash had happened.

“I rode down to see what has happened,” he said

“My wife drove past five seconds after it happened, and she saw people doing CPR on a person, she was going to the shops.”

A neighbour who wanted to remain anonymous said she heard the crash and someone retrieving the child from a car.

“We have been here 30-something years, first fatality we have seen in 37 years, these lights have been here three years. Much needed,” she said.

“When we did get into the backyard, we saw someone get the child out of the car. I couldn’t look.

“That broke me up.”

Forensic Crash Unit investigations are ongoing and investigators have appealed for any witnesses, or anyone with relevant vision to contact police.

Originally published as Father, four-year-old son killed in crash in Brisbane’s south