A father has been killed and his daughter is fighting for life after a motorcycle crash on the Bruce Highway in North Queensland on Easter Monday. Alan Atherton, 60, and his 19-year-old daughter Hannah were struck by a car performing a U-turn near Koumala.
Police said the driver of the car pulled out from the side of the road and failed to see the motorcycle, which hit the driver's door. Despite CPR from bystanders and paramedics, Mr Atherton died at the scene. Hannah was airlifted to Townsville University Hospital with critical head injuries.
The car, carrying five people including two children aged five and seven, rolled onto its side but all occupants escaped serious injury. A family friend described Mr Atherton as a passionate rider and said Hannah had come to Mackay to celebrate her father's 60th birthday.
The stretch of highway between Koumala and Carmila has seen three fatalities this year. Police identify it as a known fatigue zone, with Acting Inspector Anthony Cowan noting that long-distance drivers often attempt the 10-hour trip from Brisbane in one day, leading to crashes.
Investigations are ongoing, and police urge anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. They also advise against long-distance travel over the upcoming long weekends.
