Queensland crash suspect living in youth justice home

A 13-year-old boy charged with causing a crash that killed three women was living in state government-funded youth justice accommodation when he allegedly stole a Mercedes-Benz for a joy ride.

A 13-year-old boy charged with causing a crash that killed three women was living in state government-funded youth justice accommodation when he allegedly stole a Mercedes-Benz for a joy ride.

Queensland Police say the boy was not on bail at the time of the crash, but The Australian has confirmed he had previously been dealt with by the courts for stealing cars.

The teenager was living in ­accommodation in Maryborough run by the Integrated Family and Youth Service and funded by the state government.

A Maryborough resident, who asked not to be named, said there had been many complaints to the government about the residential service, located in a quiet street in the Wide Bay community, calling for it to be closed.

A teenager has been charged after allegedly driving a stolen car which was involved in a horror triple-fatal crash north of Brisbane.

The service did not respond to The Australian, but its website says it delivers a range of specialist support and intervention programs for children, young people, and families.

One of the victims of the crash was a nurse, 52, returning home from work. her colleagues have been left distraught after being confronted by the scene late on Sunday night. Another woman, 23, was left fighting for life in a Brisbane hospital.

The boy sustained minor injuries to his foot. He was charged with three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Police allege he caused the crash when he hit the back of a Holden sedan carrying three women. The Holden was forced onto the wrong side of the road and collided with a Mazda, driven by the nurse, heading in the ­opposite direction towards her home in Hervey Bay.

The Holden’s two local occupants, a 29-year-old ­woman and 17-year-old Kelsie Davies, both died. Police suspect a passenger in the stolen Mercedes fled the scene.

Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip. Picture: Liam Kidston

“This is a tragic set of circumstances to affect the community, particularly a small community like Maryborough and our thoughts and condolences go out to the victims and their families and also to the first responders who responded to the incident,” assistant police commissioner Brian Connors said.

“It’s very concerning to have any crash like this but for one to be so severe, there will no doubt be ripple effects right across the community of Wide Bay and around the Maryborough community.

“I know that a number of ­people that attended the scene have reported to us just how ­severe the feelings were as a direct result of persons who were involved, who are known to community members and also known to first responders.”

A Google Maps view of Saltwater Creek Rd travelling south, with Sydney St on the right. The teenager is alleged to have struck a vehicle while travelling south, leading to the crash. Picture: Google Maps

Acting Commissioner Connors said the injured woman was related to police in the region.

Additional reporting: NCA Newswire