A tragic bus accident on one of Australia's most notorious roads has left one person dead and two others fighting for their lives. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon on the Bruce Highway near Gumlu in the Whitsundays region.
Details of the Crash
Emergency services rushed to the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Rangemore Road around 4:00 PM AEST after receiving reports of a bus rollover. The coach, operated by budget travel company Flix, was carrying 29 people including the driver. One passenger was trapped beneath the vehicle and later died from their injuries. Two other passengers suffered severe head injuries and multi-system trauma, while 27 others were assessed for injuries.
Emergency Response
The Queensland Fire Department confirmed one person was trapped under the bus. A total of 11 ambulances, two helicopters, and a Royal Flying Doctor Service plane attended the scene. Three stable patients have already been transported from the site. The bus driver, a 70-year-old man from Mackay, was taken to hospital with minor injuries. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Flix Statement
Flix, the company listing the coach service on its platform, expressed deep sorrow. The service was operated by a local transport partner and was traveling from Cairns to Brisbane. Flix stated they are cooperating fully with Queensland Police and emergency services to investigate the cause. An emergency hotline has been established for further assistance.
Bruce Highway Danger
The Bruce Highway, stretching from Brisbane to Cairns, is used by over 100,000 vehicles daily. It is consistently ranked as one of Australia's most dangerous roads. In 2024, 41 of the 302 road deaths in Queensland occurred on this highway, with another 7,500 people hospitalized. The stretch from the Sunshine Coast to Gympie is considered the most perilous. A 2024 NRMA survey found that over 66% of people believe there are insufficient overtaking lanes, and a third avoid traveling on the highway during family holidays.
Government Action
In response to safety concerns, the federal government has allocated an additional $812 million for the second stage of upgrades to the Bruce Highway, following $758 million spent in stage one. The road was closed in both directions following the accident as investigations continue.
