Tourist fighting for life

Woman hit by car

SPECIALIST crash investigators will return to Cape Tribulation today to try to piece together the circumstances which left a Taiwanese woman fighting for her life.

Initial investigations suggest the 31-year-old tourist was walking on Cape Tribulation Rd with a group of other people about 12.30am yesterday when she was struck by a car and suffered significant head injuries, including a fractured skull.

She was flown by helicopter to Townsville Hospital where she is in a critical condition.

Cairns Forensic Crash Unit Sgt Scott Ezard said the incident took place on a straight section of road about 100m south of PK’s Jungle Village, a popular backpackers spot in Cape Tribulation.

It is understood the woman was in Australia on a working holiday visa and had been working at an establishment in the area.

“We will go back (today) to conduct further investigations and speak with witnesses,” Sgt Ezard said.

“Anyone with information who has not been spoken to by police so far is asked to contact us.”

The 35-year-old driver of the Holden Commodore utility which is believed to have struck the woman is assisting police.

Sgt Ezard said police were looking at several factors, including whether the manner of driving and alcohol may have contributed to the accident.

He said the woman was walking northbound on the left side of the road when she was struck.

It is understood there were many witnesses, including the group who were walking with the woman at the time.

The car has been seized by police and will undergo a mechanical inspection.

The woman’s family have been informed and police are liaising with the embassy.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.