An intense emergency response unfolded overnight when a FlixBus coach en route from Cairns to Airlie Beach veered off the road and overturned near Gumlu, approximately 135 kilometers south of Townsville.
Queensland Ambulance paramedics attended to 29 passengers, many of whom were international travelers, including the 70-year-old driver who sustained minor injuries.
Tragically, a 26-year-old woman with dual Argentinian and Italian citizenship passed away in the hospital due to her injuries.
Premier David Crisafulli expressed his sorrow, stating, “These are young people on a journey of a lifetime in a foreign land. To have that abruptly taken away is profoundly distressing.”
Two additional passengers suffered critical injuries and were transported by air to the hospital.
The remaining individuals were taken by road to medical facilities in Ayr, Bowen, and Townsville.
The driver was released from Bowen hospital today, but is yet to speak with authorities about the crash.
Superintendent Dean Cavanagh described the scene as confronting and complex.
The high proportion of foreign nationals on board was challenging for both the investigation, and the ability of police to support the families and their loved ones, he said.
“We’ll make sure at the end of this investigation we look at not only what happened, but importantly why it happened,” he said.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating and has appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
The highway was closed in both directions but has since reopened.
Crisafulli said more needs to be done to improve safety on the notorious stretch of the state’s most vital transport route.
“I don’t think the road is up to scratch,” Crisafulli said.
“When you think that we’ve had over 40 people lose their life in a calendar year on a road like that, if that doesn’t scream the need for action then I don’t know what does.”
The safety record of FlixBus is also now under the spotlight.
In February, a 55-year-old driver was fined for careless driving after a Flixbus drove into a paddock at Alligator Creek outside Townsville.
The company said in a statement it was “heartbroken”.
“Our thoughts are with their family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
