Qld youth crime: Horror M1 crash ‘just another day in Qld’, top criminologist says

A horrific Gold Coast crash allegedly involving a stolen car driven by young teens that left multiple people in hospital, could have been much worse and was “just another day” in Queensland, a leading criminologist says.

Scene of an accident on the M1 in Pimpama which involved a stolen vehicle. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.

A horrific stolen car crash on the Gold Coast that left multiple people in hospital could have been much worse, says a criminologist, who said the incident was “just another day” in Queensland.

Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, have been charged over stealing a 2023 Mazda CX-5 from a Varsity Lakes house on Wednesday night, before it crashed on the M1 in peak-hour traffic on Thursday.

One of those charged was granted police bail on Friday, while three other teenagers who ran from the crash scene are still on the run.

Bond University criminologist Terry Goldsworthy said youth offenders committed half of all stolen car offences in Queensland, so it was no surprise another accident had occurred.

Scene of an accident on the M1 in Pimpama which involved a stolen vehicle. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.

“We are certainly seeing time and time again instances where youth offenders are a danger to the public,” Professor Goldsworthy said.

The stolen car was spotted travelling at high speeds when it hit a Mini Cooper S near an exit ramp at Pimpama about 4.40pm.

The crash caused huge delays on the highway after three lanes were closed while emergency services cleaned up the mess.

Georgia Clegg drove through the crash scene shortly after it happened, saying a group of juveniles ran in front of her car.

“I only drove past as I was merging onto the M1 and had to suddenly stop for a few kids running across the highway as they ran in front of my car,” Ms Clegg said.

“I could see the crash and an argument in the middle of the highway but I was too afraid to get out of the car and there were cars behind me so I decided to keep going.

A vehicle damaged in the incident. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.

“I assumed the children at fault and an older gentleman (were arguing).

“I couldn’t see too much because I was trying to avoid hitting any more kids running across the road.

“It was so dangerous and it could’ve been a lot worse.”

A 56-year-old woman who was driving the Mini Cooper S received minor injuries from the crash and was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.

The 15-year-old Logan boy was charged with burglary, stealing and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He was denied police bail ahead of appearing at Southport Children's Court at a later date.

The 16-year-old Tanah Merah boy was also charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He was granted police bail ahead of appearing in Southport Children's Court at a later date.

Three other juveniles who fled from the crash scene are still on the run.

Professor Goldsworthy said these kinds of incidents were happening again and again.

“Unfortunately, as we have seen, it results in crashes and disruptions to the public. This is an ongoing problem.”

Originally published as Qld youth crime: Horror M1 crash ‘just another day in Qld’, top criminologist says