CIB probes bike crash

WEIPA Criminal Investigation Branch is investigating after a man sustained critical injuries in a quad bike crash at Rocky Point, Weipa, on Tuesday.

Preliminary information suggested that about 12.50am, four men were on the quad bike, travelling along McLeod Dr, when one of the men, who was sitting on the rear rack of the quad bike, fell off.

The passenger, an 18-year old Trunding man, sustained serious head injuries and was transported to Weipa Hospital before being flown to Townsville University Hospital.

A Townsville University Hospital spokeswoman on Thursday afternoon confirmed he was in a critical condition.

The other three men were not injured and are assisting Weipa CIB with their inquiries.

The incident led Weipa police acting senior sergeant Rod Stanley to issue a prompt reminder that quad bikes are designed for specific purposes and within particular operating conditions.

He said quad bikes could be unstable due to their light weight and high centre of gravity, increasing the risk of a rollover on rough terrain, especially when turning or driving across slopes.

“Heavy fines are applicable for drivers and passengers of quad bikes if they do not comply with registration, licensing and the wearing of helmets,” Senior Sergeant Stanley said.

According to Safe Work Australia there have been three quad bike fatalities to date this year, with 11 people killed in 2021.

“As a community, we need to change our attitudes towards quad bikes or another fatality will occur.

“Having to tell family and friends that their loved one has been seriously injured or killed is one of the hardest jobs we have, as police.

“That job is made even more difficult in small communities like Weipa, because we are more likely to know the people involved.

“You are committing the offences of driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle if you drive or ride a quad bike or ATV on a road or road-related area.

“You may also be committing other offences, such as failing to wear a helmet or drink driving.”