HORROR SMASH SHOCKS ISLAND
Holiday ends in tragedy as two killed in Mini Moke crash
THREE friends on holidays had their lives shattered after two men were killed in a Mini Moke crash on Magnetic Island early yesterday.
The crash happened just after 1am on Sooning St, Nelly Bay, after the car left the road and hit a pole after failing to negotiate a roundabout.
The two men – a 41- year- old from Charters Towers and 48- yearold from Yatala, near Brisbane – were thrown from the vehicle.
The female driver, 25, also from Charters Towers, was flown to Townsville with head injuries.
She remained there in a stable condition last night.
Northern Patrol Group Inspector Damien Crosby said alcohol and speed were being investigated as potential factors in the crash.
“I don’t want to pre- empt the outcome ( of the investigations) but we will consider whether speed, alcohol or the environment at the time were contributing causes,” he said.
The Bulletin understands the group had left a Nelly Bay backpacker hostel in the car to go back to their accommodation at Arcadia.
Images obtained by the Bulletin yesterday showed the significant damage the green Moke sustained in hitting the power pole.
The vehicle’s front passenger seat was ripped from the car on impact.
One of the occupants’ possessions were also left in the car.
The island has only a single- officer ambulance station so back- up was called for after the crash.
“We activated a doctor and registered nurse from the Queensland Health clinic to also respond,” a Queensland Ambulance spokesman said. “They were activated to give assistance due to the nature of the incident.”
Long- term resident and taxi driver Ros Patterson said she took two people who were believed to be the victims’ distraught friends to the police station to give statements.
The pair were later on a ferry but did not wish to speak to media.
“They were devastated,” Ms Patterson said. “They were holding their heads and crying. I think they need counselling.” Ms Patterson said the local community was shocked by the crash.
“We’re not used to that kind of thing and I think everyone will be mourning and feel sorry for the family and friends,” she said. “For the emergency workers, it’s very traumatic for the people first on the scene.”
Ergon Energy crews worked for several hours at the scene after the crash to repair the damaged power pole and restore power. More than 200 customers lost power, but it was restored by about noon.
The police Forensic Crash Unit was investigating the crash.
Anyone who witnessed it or has information about it is urged to contact police on 1800 333 000.