Two individuals have been left fighting for their lives following a severe single-vehicle crash on a far north Queensland highway. The incident has prompted a major emergency response and closed a key transport route.
Emergency Response to Isolated Stretch of Road
The serious crash occurred on the Mulligan Highway at Lakeland, approximately 170 kilometres northwest of Cairns, on Tuesday afternoon. Queensland Police confirmed they were notified of the incident around 3:20 PM. Initial reports indicate a single vehicle was involved, leaving two occupants with critical, life-threatening injuries.
Emergency services, including Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), rushed to the remote location. Due to the severity of the injuries and the isolated nature of the crash site, the Rescue 510 helicopter from Cairns was dispatched to the scene to assist with the medical emergency and potentially airlift the patients.
Major Road Closure and Traffic Chaos
The crash has caused significant disruption to traffic on a vital artery for the Cape York region. The Mulligan Highway was completely closed in both directions as emergency crews worked to treat the injured and clear the wreckage. Motorists were urged to avoid the area entirely and seek alternative routes.
Authorities established a significant cordon around the crash site to facilitate the complex rescue and investigation operations. Forensic Crash Unit investigators are expected to examine the scene to determine the exact circumstances that led to the vehicle leaving the roadway. Police have appealed for any witnesses, particularly those with dashcam footage, to come forward.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
As of Tuesday evening, the condition of the two crash victims remains critical. The focus for emergency services is on providing the highest level of medical care and supporting the patients' families. The closure of the highway has a pronounced impact on the local community and freight movements, underscoring the dangers of long-distance travel on regional roads.
This serious incident serves as a stark reminder for all motorists travelling in remote areas to exercise extreme caution. Factors such as fatigue, wildlife, and varying road conditions can contribute to accidents. Police investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
