Three dead after horror crash near Nanango, northwest of Brisbane

Three members of the same family who died in a horrific crash northwest of Brisbane on Thursday morning have been identified, as members of their community pay tribute.

Three people died after a collision between a truck and car on the D’Aguilar Hwy near Nanango.. Picture: Andrew Hedgman

The three members of one family killed in a horror crash northwest of Brisbane on Thursday morning have been identified.

Steven Wheeler, 54, died alongside his father Bob Wheeler, 84, and mother Margaret, aged 81.

Emergency services were to the D’Aguilar Hwy near the Nanango Tarong Rd intersection about 5.45am after the car they were travelling in and a tanker collided in foggy conditions.

All three, who lived at Kingaroy, died at the scene.

The scene of the fatal crash. Picture: Andrew Hedgman

The male truck driver, aged 52, was taken to Kingaroy Hospital in a stable condition with minor injuries. He was the sole occupant of the truck.

A car and B-double truck have collided in foggy conditions northwest of Brisbane.

Acting Inspector Brett Everest told the media the deaths would have an impact on the small community.

“It will have a resounding effect on the local community as well, it’s just tragic all round,” he said from the scene Thursday.

“Police have spoken to their families and advised them, and we are certainly making sure they are being looked after moving forward.”

The 54-year-old man killed in the Nanango crash has been identified as Steven Wheeler.

In a social media post from the South Burnett Darts Association, Secretary David Morton passed on his condolences to Steven’s daughter.

“What a terrible loss, condolences to all the family, you will all be missed,” George Finlayson said in reply to the post.

“Absolutely tragic accident….my heart and thoughts to all the Wheeler Families and relatives, and friends….” Debra Hill said.

Speaking to The Courier-Mail, Mr Morton said the accident was a tragedy.

“They were all great to play with and really good people,” he said.

Mr Morton said he had known the family since 2011. “It’s awful what has happened.”

Meanwhile, Kingaroy Speedway posted a tribute for “one of their family members”.

“Sadly earlier today Steven Wheeler or Ice Cream or Dessy as he was so fondly known to many of us lost his life along with his mother & father in a tragic traffic accident.”

Acting Inspector Brett Everest at the scene of the triple fatal.

“Steve was always there when you needed something done at the speedway or just in general he was always there. Steve has been a member of our club for what it seems like forever.”

The post said he would be ‘so sadly missed by all that knew him” and “forever remembered.”

“Our thoughts are with his children, family & friends. Rest in Peace buddy we will sure miss you.”

Inspector Everest said the truck driver was “very lucky” to not suffer more serious injuries.

At the scene, the truck involved was down an embankment off the highway.

The cab of the truck appeared to be upturned in the ditch, while the rear trailers was seen on the roadway.

The highway was expected to remain closed Thursday. Picture: Andrew Hedgman

Acting Inspector Everest said police were trying to piece together what happened.

“It is early in the investigations in relation to the findings of how this crash occurred,” Inspector Everest said.

“Forensic units from both Brisbane and Toowoomba are here investigating the cause of that crash.

“Any crash like this is tragic, our thoughts are with the family of the people who have been killed here today.”

The scene of the Nanango crash where three people died. Picture: Andrew Hedgman

Inspector Everest said drivers needed to be mindful of the conditions on the roads, as it’s understood heavy fog was in the area at the time of the crash.

“The message would be that everyone needs to drive to the conditions that are present at the time you are driving.

“People need to slow down, people need to drive to those conditions to ensure they reach their destination safely.”

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is aware of the incident and ready to assist police with the investigation as needed.

Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing.

Originally published as Three dead after horror crash near Nanango, northwest of Brisbane