A multi-vehicle collision on the Sunshine Coast has left two young sisters fighting for their lives, with an off-duty doctor describing it as the most dramatic scene he has ever encountered.
Chaos at Banya Intersection
The incident unfolded yesterday morning at an intersection on Banya Avenue near Caloundra. According to police, the chain of events began when a silver Nissan was sent flying in an initial collision, landing against a fence.
However, a truck involved in that first impact failed to stop. The vehicle continued for approximately another half a kilometre before slamming into a blue station wagon carrying a mother and her two daughters, aged just one and three years old.
The force of the impact pushed the station wagon into two other cars that were stopped at traffic lights, creating a scene of devastation.
Off-Duty Doctor Races to Help
Off-duty doctor Marcio Brussius Coelho heard the massive collision and rushed to the scene to offer assistance. He found the two toddlers unconscious with significant head injuries.
"Immediately I thought, this kid needs to go straight to Brisbane," Dr Coelho said, referring to the three-year-old girl. He provided vital first aid to her until the emergency helicopter arrived.
While fighting back tears, the doctor, who is also a father, described the emotional toll. "Quite, I’d say, emotional as a father and having kids that age as well," he said. "But at the moment, you just have to do what you need to as a doctor."
Critical Condition and Ongoing Investigation
Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic Nick Haug confirmed the severity of the girls' injuries. "They sustained quite significant head injuries, both of them," he said.
The three-year-old was airlifted to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, with her one-year-old sister following later. Both children remain in a critical condition.
Their mother, who was also injured, was in a serious condition but less critical. Paramedics suspected she had been knocked unconscious during the crash. She has since been released from hospital and is now waiting and hoping for her daughters' recovery.
Police are investigating the cause of the crash. Acting Inspector Matt Robertson said one line of inquiry is whether the truck driver suffered a medical episode moments before the collision.
"We have specialists, police investigating the accident. That will be one avenue that will be looked into," Inspector Robertson stated.
Dr Coelho summed up the gravity of the situation, stating simply: "That was the most dramatic scene I’ve ever seen."
