Tributes for dad killed in collision

Tributes flow for man, 28, killed in Warrego Highway collision

A DARLING Downs community is mourning the loss of a beloved father killed in a horror Warrego Highway crash.

Mervyn Newlands, 28, died at the scene of the crash 5km east of Jondaryan about 11.30pm on Tuesday.

He had been driving east when his ute collided with an empty B-double cattle truck.

The driver of the truck, a 68-year-old Roma man, was not physically injured.

The Captains Mountain and wider Millmerran communities took to social media to share tributes for Mr Newlands.

A DARLING Downs community is mourning the loss of a young father after a horror crash west of Toowoomba.

Mervyn Newlands, 28, died at the scene of the crash about 5km east of Jondaryan on the Warrego Highway about 1130pm on Tuesday.

He was driving a Mitsubishi Triton dual-cab ute east when it crossed into the path of an oncoming prime mover.

The empty B-double cattle truck, heading west, was truck head on, police said.

The 68-year-old Roma man who was driving the truck was not physically injured in the incident.

Country Patrol Group Inspector Danny Shaw said the crash was a tragedy.

“It is a tragedy to see someone so young has lost their life in a traffic incident,” he said.

“That loss of potential. At 28, you’re only starting out at life.”

Investigations into the horrific crash are continuing with the Forensic Crash Unit to probe all possible causes for the fatality.

It is the fifth death on the region’s roads for the year, up from two for the same period last year.

Mr Newlands has been remembered as a loving father and son, a hard worker and a good mate.

The Captains Mountain and wider Millmerran community has shared tributes to Mr Newlands on social media.

“Going to miss you bud but we will never forget you,” a friend wrote on Facebook.

“Rip mate you will be dearly missed in the community,” wrote another.

Police have appealed for any witnesses or motorists with dashcam footage to come forward.