A 14-year-old boy has died and five other children have been injured after an allegedly stolen car crashed into a tree in Cairns, Far North Queensland. The incident occurred just before 1am today on Pease Street, near Edge Hill State Primary School.
Police had been observing the group in a small white hatchback, alleged to have been stolen, before the car hit a tree at high speed. Paramedics performed CPR on the 14-year-old passenger, but he died at the scene.
The 14-year-old male driver is in serious condition at Cairns Hospital, while the other children sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Hodgman described it as a 'sad day for the boy's family, friends and the community' and a confronting sight for emergency services.
Police confirmed they did not pursue the vehicle, which was allegedly stolen on Sunday night. A tyre-deflation device was authorised but could not be deployed before the crash. Superintendent Hodgman noted the tragedy highlights the risks of young teenagers driving without the necessary skills or maturity.
Local resident Vincent Griffiths, woken by sirens, expressed shock at the incident. The car is believed to have been stolen from a home in Manunda. The Forensic Crash Unit and Ethical Standards Command are investigating, and police appeal for dashcam footage or information about a blue sedan overtaken by the stolen car shortly before the crash.
