A 34-year-old woman and a two-year-old child have died following a multi-vehicle crash on the Captain Cook Highway at Oak Beach, north of Cairns, on Friday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene just south of the intersection with Reynolds Road before 4pm. Police investigations indicate a white Mitsubishi Triton utility struck a red Mazda MX-5 before colliding with a white MG3 hatchback.
The Queensland Ambulance Service assessed both the woman and toddler as life-threatening, but they died at the scene. A 22-year-old woman was flown to Cairns Hospital with significant pelvic and abdominal injuries and remains in critical condition. A man with chest and back injuries was also taken to Cairns Hospital, where he is in a serious but stable condition.
Far North Police District Superintendent Mick Searle described the crash as a head-on collision, stating, 'The images display that very clearly.' He urged the community to support each other during this distressing time.
Police are appealing for anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage to come forward. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating and will revisit the site in the coming days.
