Woman dead, two men injured in early morning smash
PALM Island is in mourning after a woman was killed in a car crash yesterday while two men were in hospital fighting for life.
Shortly before 6.30am, emergency services were called to Clumpoint Rd where a car had crashed into a power pole.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said the 43- year- old woman died at the scene, while a 47- year- old man suffered head injuries and a 46- year- old man had pelvic and abdominal injuries.
Both men were in a critical condition in Townsville Hospital.
Regional district officer Inspector Damian Irvine said the car was on fire when emergency services arrived at the scene with crews using extinguishers to put out the flames.
The passengers were trapped inside the burning car and had to be pulled out by locals and first- response emergency services.
Insp Irvine said the woman was in the front passenger seat and was believed to have been killed on impact.
Palm Island Deputy Mayor Roy Prior said the tragedy had impacted the entire community.
“It’s a very sombre mood at the moment as you can really feel the effects of the accident from the community members,” Cr Prior said.
“Apart from the odd bumps, there’s been nothing like an accident of this magnitude for some time. It’s quite a tragedy.”
Cr Prior praised the police and locals who went to the aid of survivors and said people were helping each other come to terms with the loss.
“In this incident we’re no different to any other small community,” Cr Prior said.
“When there’s an accident or incident of this magnitude, people tend to pull together and support each other.”
Insp Irvine said the Forensic Crash Unit was investigating the incident but as the male driver and rear passenger were in a critical condition in hospital they were still to be interviewed.
“At this stage we don’t know what contributing factors may be,” Insp Irvine said.
Anyone with information that could assist police with their investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Police Link on 131 444.