Man killed in early morning road crash

A MAN, 24, was killed in a two- vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway near Black River early yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the crash site about 1km north of the Veales Rd intersection about 4.20am.

Police believe the man was killed when the utility he was driving collided with a trailer being towed by a four- wheeldrive vehicle. The man, who was the sole occupant of the utility, died at the scene.

The 61- year- old male driver of the four- wheel- drive and his 47- year- old male passenger escaped without injury.

Townsville police SeniorConstable Robert Nash said it was believed that the man was heading home, which was just north of the crash site.

“He went across the southbound lines and at that section the lanes expand to two, allowing for a passing lane,” he said.

“The other car was in the outward lane and saw the headlights coming towards him. The driver of the southbound vehicle attempted to move off to the side as much as he could, however the vehicle continued to cross over and struck the righthand side of the trailer.”

Sen- Constable Nash said the trailer was ripped from the four- wheel- drive vehicle.

“Investigations are in the early stages and at this stage alcohol cannot be ruled out,” he said. “That section of the highway is 100km/ h so it would be suggested that it was a high- end speed collision because of the speed zone.

“However speed is not considered to be a major contributing factor at this time.”

The Bruce Highway was blocked in both directions for about four hours.

The police forensic unit is investigating.

The fatal crash came after police launched school holiday road safety campaign Operation Spring Break on Friday.

Police are increasing patrols and the number of random breath tests until October 6. crash