DRIVER CHARGED

POLICE have arrested and charged a 43- year- old Alligator Creek man with two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death after a fatal crash on the Bruce Highway on March 19.

Police will allege the truck driver swerved on to the wrong side of the road near Gumlu, just north of Bowen, causing an Audi sedan to take evasive action.

Police say, as a result, the Audi driver tried to avoid the truck and crashed into another truck.

The couple in the Audi, both 63- year- olds from Cairns, died at the scene.

“A three- vehicle traffic crash has occurred where a truck has swerved on to the wrong side of the road,” Townsville Forensic Crash Unit Constable Lyndsey Askew said. “( This has caused) a sedan to go on to the other side of the road, going on to incoming traffic, and the sedan has collided with a truck, causing a double fatal.” head- on

Constable Askew said police investigations and witness statements led to the charges being laid against the 43- year- old truck driver.

She said police did not believe drugs, alcohol or fatigue were factors in the crash but would not comment about whether or not the alleged offender was using his mobile phone in the lead- up to the accident.

The maximum penalty if found guilty of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death is seven years imprisonment.

Constable Askew said the family of the couple who were killed were informed of the charges and it was hoped they might find closure in the near future.

She urged motorists to remain focused on the roads to avoid tragedies like this in the future.

“Please, when you are out driving, be aware of your surroundings,” Constable Askew said.

“Know what’s going on around you and simply drive, don’t be distracted by other things.”

The Alligator Creek man will appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on May 5.