Cops seek clues over bike death
POLICE are investigating if speed and alcohol were factors in a crash involving a young Townsville motorcyclist on an open section of highway.
A 24- year- old Douglas man died after a single motorcycle crash at Cluden early yesterday morning.
At 5.20am a passing motorist found the man unconscious in bushes off the Bruce Highway near the intersection of Racecourse Rd and Lakeside Drive.
Police said it appeared the male rider was thrown from the motorcycle and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
District duty officer Senior Sergeant Kylee Haydon said the man had been riding a Ducati 848.
“No one physically saw the accident,” Sen- Sgt Haydon said.
“The motorcycle was located by staff at Lavarack Barracks.
“One male person was deceased at the scene.”
Townsville Forensic Crash Unit Acting Sergeant Gemma Williamson said preliminary investigations showed the motorcyclist had been riding inbound on the Bruce Highway when the crash took place.
“It appears the rider failed to negotiate an open left- hand bend and impacted with a barrier.
“We’re investigating whether speed and or alcohol were contributing factors to the crash.”
Sgt Williamson described the road as “straight and open”.
“It’s a dual- lane road and is brand new as it only recently opened. “It’s considered quite safe.” She appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact police.
“If anyone saw the crash or saw a motorcycle travelling in the area prior to the crash they should contact local police.”
She confirmed police had spoken to the man’s next of kin.
“We’re preparing a report to the coroner. The investigation is still in its early stages.”
Police closed the highway with diversions in place while officers investigated the scene.
The highway has since been reopened.
The death was the latest in a number of fatal crashes in the region in recent weeks.
Police believe speed played a significant role in a single- vehicle crash that killed a man near Charters Towers on September 5.
A 45- year- old man died in hospital on September 3 after his vehicle and a truck collided in Garbutt on August 31.
A man died and a teenage boy was seriously hurt in a crash on the Bruce Highway at Bluewater on August 11.