A tragic bus accident on one of Australia's most perilous roads has resulted in one fatality and left two individuals fighting for their lives. The incident occurred on the Bruce Highway, a notorious stretch known for its high accident rate.
Details of the Crash
Emergency services responded to the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Rangemore Road at Gumlu in the Whitsundays region around 4pm AEST on Thursday. The bus, operated by Flix, had 29 people on board when it left the roadway and rolled onto its side.
One person was trapped beneath the vehicle, and despite rescue efforts, they succumbed to their injuries. Two passengers sustained severe head injuries and multi-system trauma, while 27 others were assessed for injuries.
Emergency Response
Eleven ambulances, two helicopters, and a Royal Flying Doctor Service plane were dispatched to the scene. The bus driver, a 70-year-old man from Mackay, was hospitalized with minor injuries. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
FlixBus Statement
Flix, the budget travel operator, confirmed that a coach service listed on its platform was involved. The bus was traveling from Cairns to Brisbane. In a statement, the company expressed heartbreak over the passenger's death and confirmed cooperation with Queensland Police and emergency services. An emergency hotline has been established for further assistance.
Bruce Highway's Dangerous Reputation
The Bruce Highway, stretching from Brisbane to Cairns, is used by over 100,000 vehicles daily and is considered one of Australia's most dangerous roads. In 2024, 41 of the 302 road fatalities in Queensland occurred on this highway, with 7,500 hospitalizations. The stretch from the Sunshine Coast to Gympie is particularly hazardous.
Safety Concerns and Funding
A 2024 NRMA survey found that over 66% of people believe there are insufficient overtaking lanes on the highway, and a third avoid it during family holidays. To address safety, the federal government allocated an additional $812 million for the second stage of upgrades, following $758 million spent on stage one.
