Emu dies in collision with Harley-Davidson rider on Queensland road

A motorbike rider has escaped serious injury after he collided with an emu on a remote Queensland road on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old was travelling about 100km/h on his Harley-Davidson to work at a mine west of Mackay when the large native bird ran out in front of him about 4pm.

The 21-year-old Rockhampton man crashed into the bird as he was travelling along Marlborough Sarina Road, west of Mackay.Credit: RACQ CQ Rescue

The two collided and paramedics were called to the scene to treat the rider, who sustained a possible broken leg, cuts and abrasions.

The emu died at the scene.

A rescue helicopter touched down about 5pm and airlifted the rider to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

An RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter crewman said the man, who was wearing a full-face helmet and leathers, was “incredibly lucky” to escape serious injury in the “freak accident”.