Friend sees woman biker die in crash

A WOMAN has died in a motorbike crash on the Bruce Highway as a friend who was riding behind her watched on in horror.

The 35- year- old woman was killed when her motorbike crashed head on with a car on the Bruce Highway near Alligator Creek about 4pm on Saturday.

The woman had been riding with a friend, who was on a separate bike, from Giru to Bushland Beach.

The woman’s friend travelling behind her at time of the crash and nessed the tragic incident.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene while her friend was treated for shock.

Forensic Crash Unit Senior Constable Rick North said was the wit- police were interviewing several witnesses and wanted anyone else who saw the two motorbike riders to come forward.

“Two motorcycle riders were riding together on the northbound lane of the Bruce Highway and as they have left Killymoon Creek bridge the rider has, for reasons unknown, veered across to the incorrect side of the road and another vehicle driving south has attempted to avoid the motorbike, however has been unable to do so and as a result a head- on collision occurred in the southbound lane,” SenConstable North said.

“It’s early stages in the investigations … fatigue is not considered to be a factor while speed and alcohol cannot be ruled out at this time.

“Police are after anyone that may have seen the two motorcyclists riding north of Giru.”

The crash followed a horrific weekend on the North’s roads. Three people were killed during the early hours of Saturday morning in a crash on the Bruce Highway south of Cairns.

About 2.30am a semi- trailer travelling south at El Arish, near Innisfail, and a mini bus collided head on.

The driver and two passengers in the minibus were declared dead at the scene and two other passengers were taken to Innisfail Hospital. The truck driver was not injured.

Sen- Constable North pleaded with motorists to pay attention when on the road, wear a seatbelt and not speed or drive while fatigued or affected by drugs or alcohol.

“Again it comes back to the fatal five,” he said.

“We just want people to take care on the roads and not to be in such a hurry to get to their location. It’s better to be late than not get there at all.”

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.