A chaotic and stormy night in North Queensland saw emergency services scrambling to respond to two separate and serious incidents, one involving an elderly pedestrian and another a teenage driver.
Elderly Pedestrian Struck by Falling Tree Branch
The first emergency unfolded in the suburb of Annandale in Townsville on Friday night. Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) reported that an elderly woman was walking when she was struck by a large falling tree branch.
Paramedics were called to the scene at approximately 8:30 PM. The woman, whose exact age has not been released, sustained significant injuries from the impact. QAS crews provided immediate treatment at the location before carefully transporting her to Townsville University Hospital for further emergency care. Her current condition is described as stable.
Teenager Injured in Single-Vehicle Rollover Crash
In a separate incident occurring around the same time, a teenage driver was involved in a serious single-vehicle crash in the Bluewater area, north of Townsville. Early reports indicate the young driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll over.
Emergency services, including the QAS, rushed to the scene. The teenage male driver was assessed by paramedics and found to have sustained injuries. He was subsequently transported to the same Townsville University Hospital for treatment. The exact cause of the rollover is under investigation, with wet weather conditions being a likely contributing factor.
Stormy Conditions Blamed for Dangerous Night
The twin emergencies occurred during a period of severe weather across the North Queensland region. The Bureau of Meteorology had issued warnings for heavy rainfall and potentially damaging winds, which created hazardous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.
The falling tree branch in Annandale is directly attributed to the stormy weather, highlighting the dangers posed by weakened trees and loose debris during high winds. Similarly, the wet and slippery road surfaces are considered a key factor in the Bluewater rollover, serving as a stark reminder for motorists to adjust their driving to the conditions.
Queensland Ambulance Service officials have used the incidents to urge the public to exercise extreme caution during severe weather events. Their advice includes:
- Avoid walking or parking under trees during high winds.
- Reduce speed and increase following distances when driving in rain.
- Be prepared for sudden changes in road conditions and visibility.
Both incidents remain under investigation by relevant authorities. The community is wished a swift recovery for both the elderly woman and the teenage driver involved in these frightening ordeals.
