Two young children have been hospitalised following a serious single-vehicle rollover on a major Queensland highway near Charters Towers.
Emergency Response to Gregory Highway Crash
The incident occurred on the Gregory Highway at Balfes Creek, approximately 40 kilometres south of Charters Towers, on Tuesday afternoon. Queensland Police confirmed they were called to the scene of the crash just after 4:30 PM.
Initial reports indicate a vehicle was travelling along the highway when it left the roadway and rolled. The exact cause of the accident is under investigation by forensic crash unit officers.
Children Rushed to Hospital for Treatment
Two children were in the vehicle at the time of the rollover. Both sustained injuries and required immediate medical attention.
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics treated the young patients at the scene before transporting them to Charters Towers Hospital for further assessment and care. The conditions of the children have not been publicly disclosed, but their injuries were serious enough to warrant hospitalisation.
It is understood the driver of the vehicle, an adult, was also assessed by paramedics at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation and Road Safety Reminder
The Forensic Crash Unit is now leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Police will examine the vehicle and the scene as part of their standard procedures to determine contributing factors.
This serious incident serves as a stark reminder for all motorists travelling on regional highways. Drivers are urged to:
- Adjust their speed to suit the conditions, especially on long, rural roads.
- Take regular breaks to combat fatigue.
- Ensure all passengers, particularly children, are properly restrained.
The Gregory Highway is a crucial transport link in North Queensland, and crashes like this disrupt travel and have a profound impact on local communities and emergency services.
