Bald Hills crash: Woman killed in horror crash as Patcharin Tirasuwan

A woman killed in a serious crash in Brisbane’s north on Sunday night has been identified, with a vigil organised for the restaurant worker.

A horror Bald Hills crash left one dead and 10 injured. Pic: Channel 7

A woman killed in a serious crash in Brisbane’s north on Sunday night has been identified, with a vigil organised for the restaurant worker.

Restaurant worker Patcharin Tirasuwan was killed as she changed a tyre on the Gympie Arterial Rd at Bald Hills about 9.40pm on Sunday night.

Ten other people were seriously injured when a Toyata Hiace crashed into two vehicles that were stationary on the side of the road.

The Courier-Mail understands the occupants of both stationary vehicles worked at Kinn Thai Westfield North Lakes.

Kinn Thai Westfield North Lakes posted on social media on Monday afternoon that they were closed “due to unforeseen circumstances”.

A second update confirmed that staff members were involved in the accident.

Thai restaurant Patcharin Tirasuwan was killed in a traffic accident on the Gympie Arterial Rd at Bald Hills on Sunday, April 13.

“This has been an incredibly painful time for all of us, and our hearts go out to the staff and families affected,” the post said.

“We want to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with kind words, condolences, and support.

“Your compassion has brought us comfort in the midst of this grief, and we’re truly grateful for this caring community around us.

“As we take time to support our team and process this loss together, we appreciate your understanding and patience. The restaurant will be closed until further notice.”

A vigil has been organised for Ms Tirasuwan at Wat Thai Buddharam in Forestdale.

Less than 24 hours after the fatal crash, Ms Tirasuwan’s sister posted a tribute to the young restaurant worker whose tragic death felt like a “dream”.

The post included a photo montage of the Tirasuwan family including parents Suthep and Pornsri.

Patcharin Tirasuwan (back) with her sister.

“I want it to be just a dream,” Ms Tirasuwan’s sister wrote.

“Why does everything go so fast. Time is so short.

“We haven’t talked, haven’t said goodbye yet. My heart is broken.

“I love you, my beloved sister...Grandma please take care of Pat...I hope everyone else is safe.”

Ms Tirasuwan’s older sister posted on social media that her family were yet to travel to Australia.

“We are waiting for the shop where my sister works and her friends to take care of the matter,” Ms Tirasuwan’s sister wrote.

“My sister is currently in forensics, waiting for various procedures.”

She said updates would be provided about a ceremony in Thailand.

The Royal Thai Honorary Consulate in Brisbane urged people to be cautious on the roads following her tragic death.

Patcharin Tirasuwan worked at Kinn Thai at North Lakes.

“The Honorary Consulate Office in Brisbane expresses our deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved and sends our strength to all those injured,” it said in a translated post to social media.

“The office is asking for co-operation from Thai brothers and sisters in the area to increase the caution when using vehicles on the road, especially at night or in situations where there is a risk of accidents, both for the safety of themselves and others.

“If anyone knows that there are Thai people affected by this incident or would like to seek help, you can contact the office through the message channel on the page or through the phone number provided.”

The driver of the Toyota Hiace van has been assisting police with investigations.

No charges have been laid.

Ten people were transported to hospital for treatment for various injuries.

Three people sustained life-threatening injuries while seven were stable.

Two men were taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A horror Bald Hills crash left one dead and 10 injured. Pic: Channel 7

The man originally taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a life-threatening condition is now in a stable condition, while one of the men taken to the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital with life-threatening injuries is also in stable condition as of Monday night.

Inspector Gareth Bosley said police were met with an “extremely confronting scene”.

“It’s always an extremely confronting scene for our personnel, not only do they have to attend the scene and deal with the immediate trauma, but my FCU (Forensic Crash Unit) officers, they are working tirelessly with those involved with the next of kin to ensure this matter is investigated to its cause, to determine the cause and take any action that’s relevant,” Insp Bosley said.

He said early investigations indicated that all 11 passengers in the stationary vehicle – including the deceased – were known to each other and had pulled over due to a mechanical issue.

“We believe that there were passengers from the vehicles, both inside and outside of the vehicle at the time of the incident,” Insp Bosley said.

He went on to say they had pulled over on the right hand side of the road, however could not provide any further information on whether the vehicles were overhanging the road.

Speed is among “a range of matters” being investigated by police as they continue to piece together what led to the horrific crash.

“We’ll be able to make a determination in due course, once all of the appropriate investigation calculations are undertaken.”

Insp Bosley said police had spoken to the driver of the van which crashed into the stationary vehicles, however could not confirm whether he was in police custody.

He said most of those involved in the crash had been spoken to by police and could not comment further on whether any charges would be laid.

“As soon as we’re in a position to proceed, should any person be charged, we’ll be doing that at the earliest opportunity,” Insp Bosley said.

The age and locality of the woman who was killed also remains a mystery, with police awaiting confirmation from the next of kin.

“It’s certainly a timely reminder we are in the Easter road safety campaign at the moment, today it is very wet on our roads.

“We already have 14 deaths so far in this Easter road safety campaign, to remind everybody to slow down, to drive to conditions, to exercise patience and to please, please follow the rules they’re there for everybody’s safety,” Insp Bosley said.

Police continue to ask for any dashcam footage from that stretch of road around 9.40pm, particularly in relation to the two stationary vehicles – a black Hyundai van and a white Honda Odyssey.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the moments leading up to the crash, or anyone with dashcam footage, to contact investigators.

Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing.

Originally published as Bald Hills crash: Woman killed in horror crash as Patcharin Tirasuwan