A 71-year-old woman has died after being struck by a police vehicle in Cairns on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at the intersection of Lily and Sheridan Streets around 7am.
Police officers provided immediate medical assistance, and the woman was transported to Cairns Hospital, where she later died. The intersection was closed for investigation but has since reopened.
Deputy Commissioner John Tims confirmed that two senior constables and a sergeant were in the vehicle at the time. He stated that the Ethical Standards Command, with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission and the coroner, will conduct a full investigation.
Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior said police were attempting to apprehend an offender when the crash occurred. He noted that the police vehicle's lights were activated and the incident was captured on dash cam footage.
Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage to come forward. Deputy Commissioner Tims expressed condolences to the woman's family, calling the incident a 'terrible set of circumstances'.
