Mother of Eight Dies in Tragic Head-On Collision in Queensland
A 51-year-old mother of eight children has been identified as the victim of a fatal head-on car crash in Queensland, with her son expressing the family's profound heartbreak over the sudden loss. Roza Abebwa, from Victoria, was visiting relatives in Yarrabilba for the Easter holidays when the tragedy unfolded.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The collision occurred around 9pm on Saturday on School Rd at Logan Reserve, south of Brisbane. Abebwa was a passenger in a Ford Focus driven by her 28-year-old niece from Goodna, who had her two-year-old daughter secured in a child seat in the back. The vehicle collided with a blue Ford Falcon ute that allegedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road.
The driver of the Ford Focus sustained injuries to her legs, hips, and back and was transported to Logan Hospital, while the toddler received treatment at the scene. Abebwa, however, did not survive the impact.
Police Probe Link to Hooning Gathering
Authorities are investigating whether the ute was involved in a large illegal hooning event that took place nearby earlier that night. Footage captured hundreds of drivers and spectators taking over Logan streets, with reports of people hanging out of car windows and blocking roads. Police had already been monitoring the gathering prior to the crash.
The Ford Falcon is believed to have been stolen from a Park Ridge home approximately one month before the incident, with CCTV from the alleged theft showing an offender armed with a knife. The vehicle had no number plates and may have been unregistered at the time of the collision.
Family's Anguish and Community Outcry
Abebwa's son, Rashidi Edward, described his mother as his best friend and an exceptionally selfless woman. "We just couldn't believe it," he said. "It's horrible... you don't expect something like this to happen. I'm so angry. It's my mum. She was the most innocent woman." He added that the pain inflicted by this event is indescribable and will linger indefinitely.
Local residents expressed frustration over recurring hooning activities in the area. James Coop, a resident, noted, "It's every night. It's all the time. Like the minute the sun goes down they come out." Witness Linton Bewley, who was overtaken by the ute moments before the crash, recounted, "We didn't hear them coming. We just saw them shoot straight past the driver's side. Next thing, it's just bang, bang, bang, bang."
Authorities Respond and Investigation Continues
Queensland Police Acting Inspector Peter Venz labeled the crash a "tragic and avoidable incident." He emphasized, "Look, it's all good fun until a tragic incident occurs. This is obviously a tragic situation that really could have been avoided by just following the road rules and being considerate of other road users."
Following the crash, a social media post believed to be from event organizers announced the cancellation of the meet, citing safety concerns and undisclosed incidents. A subsequent post extended thoughts and prayers to Abebwa's loved ones.
The 17-year-old driver of the ute was taken to hospital for blood tests, and several occupants were ejected upon impact, suffering non-life-threatening injuries. The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing its investigations, and no charges have been laid at this time. The owners of the stolen Ford Falcon expressed devastation upon learning of its alleged involvement in the fatal event.
