Woman fined for three-car pile-up

A CARDWELL woman who caused a three-car pile-up in the forecourt of a Hinchinbrook petrol station has appeared in the Ingham Magistrates Court to explain how she unleashed mayhem.

Yvonne Joyce Karrasch, 72, was unsteady on her feet, leaning forward and holding on to a table for balance as she pleaded guilty last week to driving without due care and attention at United Petroleum Ingham on May 27.

Police prosecutor Bimal Raut said that when Ingham Police arrived at the scene of the accident at 8.50am, they saw three vehicles piled together with a gold Hyundai pushed up against the front of the station.

“All vehicles were badly damaged and there was a small amount of damage to the shopfront,” he said.

Magistrate Stephen Mosch clarified that it appeared Karrasch had accelerated into one vehicle, with the second vehicle hitting the third, with that vehicle hitting the petrol station.

Defence solicitor Nick Douglas said his client had accidentally placed her foot on the accelerator, instead of the brake, “which unfortunately resulted in these circumstances”.

He said that additionally, her car seat may have been out a notch after a car servicing in Cardwell the previous day, although that was no excuse.

Mr Douglas said she had made a full and frank admission to police at the time of the accident, accepted full responsibility, had no criminal convictions and had had her licence suspended as a result.

“She had it reinstated by speaking with her doctor and receiving a medical clearance and having to carry a medical certificate at all times as a result of that,” he said.

Mr Douglas said

Karrasch had paid the Hyundai driver $4300, but had not been contacted by the driver of the second vehicle, nor United Petroleum.

“She has made some quite considerable efforts and shown genuine remorse in that regard to make amends as to what has taken place,” he said.

Mr Douglas urged the court to impose a fine and no further driving disqualification period as his client relied on her vehicle to travel to Ingham for medical appointments and Tully for both vet and dental appointments.

Karrasch was fined $350. A conviction was recorded.