Police in Far North Queensland are urgently appealing for dashcam footage after a hit-and-run incident occurred near the Mt Garnet Rodeo grounds. The incident took place on Saturday evening, leaving a pedestrian with serious injuries.
Incident Details
Emergency services were called to the scene around 7:30 PM after reports that a vehicle had struck a pedestrian and fled the area. The victim, a 45-year-old man from Mount Garnet, sustained significant injuries and was airlifted to Cairns Hospital for treatment. He remains in a stable condition.
Initial investigations suggest the pedestrian was walking along the road when he was hit by a passing vehicle. The driver did not stop to render assistance or exchange details, which is a legal requirement under Queensland traffic laws.
Vehicle Description
Witnesses have described the vehicle involved as a white, dual-cab utility, possibly a Toyota HiLux or similar model. The vehicle is believed to have sustained front-end damage, including a broken headlight and a dented bonnet. Police are urging anyone who may have seen a vehicle matching this description in the area around the time of the incident to come forward.
Detective Senior Constable Mark Watson of the Cairns Forensic Crash Unit said, “We are particularly interested in any dashcam footage from vehicles that were traveling along the Kennedy Highway near the Mt Garnet Rodeo grounds between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Saturday. Even the smallest detail could be crucial to our investigation.”
Community Appeal
Police are also requesting that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information about the driver’s identity to contact Crime Stoppers. The community is urged to check their dashcams and security cameras for any relevant footage.
“Hit-and-run incidents are particularly distressing because they show a disregard for human life. Our team is working diligently to locate the driver and bring them to justice,” added Detective Senior Constable Watson.
The incident has shocked the small community of Mount Garnet, a town known for its rodeo and tight-knit population. Local residents have expressed concern over road safety, particularly on the Kennedy Highway, which is a major route for both locals and tourists.
Legal Consequences
Under Queensland law, leaving the scene of an accident where a person has been injured can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. The driver could face charges of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm and failure to stop after an accident.
Police are reminding all motorists of their legal and moral obligation to stop and assist after any traffic incident. They also encourage drivers to ensure their dashcams are functioning properly, as such footage can be invaluable in solving crimes.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000. Quote reference number QP2401234567.
