Inquest into Garbutt fatal crash that killed four children to be investigated

More than two years after four children died in a horrific crash in Townsville, an inquest will hear whether anything could have been done to prevent the tragedy.

Sunday, June 7, 2020 was the day Townsville feared was inevitable.

Four children died in a horrific stolen car crash, with one other boy, the driver, lucky to make it out alive.

Four children died in the crash at Garbutt. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR

Now, the details of the harrowing crash will be revealed in an inquest starting Tuesday that will delve deep into how the incident happened and the investigation that followed.

The morning is etched in many people’s minds, with the wreck scattered across Bayswater Rd and Duckworth St with debris found some distance from the scene.

The vehicle, a white Kia, was crumpled in a heap and on its roof.

People talk to police at the scene of the fatal crash. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

Two boys and two girls, aged between 14 and 17, were killed in the crash, which occurred about 4.30am.

They were later identified as Lucius Dallas Hure-Hill, now known as Barefoot, 13, Cayenne Muriel Robertson, 14, Rayveena Tyrone Coolwell, 15, and Aaliyah Kiri Kowhi Te Paa, 17.

The 14-year-old driver was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries after the crash.

Debris from the crash was scattered some distance from the crash. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

He was later charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, and has been sentenced to five year jail sentence in October 2021. He is required to serve 60 per cent of his sentence. The Townsville Bulletin is unable to name the boy due to legal reasons.

The inquest will look into four key points including the adequacy and appropriateness of the actions of the Queensland Police Service.

It will also look at when, where and how each of the children died, and what caused their deaths.

Photos are taken of the crash. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR

The coroner will also look at the Queensland Police Service’s investigation into the circumstances around the death and, if there are any further actions that could be undertaken to prevent it from happening again.

The inquest will span three days, with Detective Sergeant Donna Green, Constable David Forest, Constable Clayton Sharp, Acting Sergeant Thomas McCulloch, and Senior Constable Hayley Garrod giving evidence on the first day.

On the second day, Assistant Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon will be among witnesses to give evidence. The final day will hear submissions.

Originally published as Inquest into Garbutt fatal crash that killed four children to be investigated