Driver injured in horror spell on state roads

FIVE fatalities in 48 hours on Queensland roads and a crash victim critically injured in Caravonica yesterday have prompted serious warnings from police as Far Northern families depart on school holiday road trips.

A 34-year-old Brinsmead man was in a stable condition in Cairns Hospital last night after his utility hit a power pole on Kamerunga Rd early Sunday morning.

Forensic Crash Unit Sgt Scott Ezard said the Ford Falcon XR6 was heading south on Kamerunga Rd when the car left the road at 6.30am.

“(The car) struck an overhead gantry light pole, tearing it off at its base, then continued on striking a power pole, which ripped the front driver-side wheel out,” he said.

Sgt Ezard said initial investigations suggested speed was a factor in the crash.

“Investigators are working with family members to determine whether this may have been a deliberate action,” he said

Road Policing Command’s Inspector Peter Flanders described the volume of road deaths since the beginning of Operation Sierra Cold Snap on Friday as shocking.

“We have had an absolutely horrific time on the roads,” he said. “That’s (five) families that are now coming to grips with the loss of a loved one.

“It’s really concerning … we have had four fatalities in the first day of that Operation Cold Snap

“If we continue this way it’s going to be an absolutely horrific period of three weeks.”

In total, 112 lives have been lost in 2020 to date, 15 more than in the same period last year (as at June 25) despite months of COVID lockdowns restricting journeys by car.

Authorities are also urging caution while using roads that are being upgraded.

Around Cairns this includes the Smithfield Bypass on the Captain Cook Highway, the Kennedy Highway between Kuranda and Mareeba and the Western Arterial Rd. If you need help call Lifeline 13 11 14.