A 71-year-old woman has tragically died after being struck by a police vehicle in Far North Queensland. The incident occurred at the intersection of Sheridan Street and Lily Street in Cairns North at approximately 7am on Thursday morning.
The woman, a resident of Trinity Beach, was crossing the road when she was hit by the police car. Police officers immediately stopped and rendered first aid to the injured woman before paramedics arrived at the scene. Despite their efforts, the woman was assessed to be in a life-threatening condition.
She was rushed to Cairns Hospital with critical injuries but was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. The Forensic Crash Unit has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
CCTV footage from a nearby shop shows the police car moments before the collision. The footage appears to show the police car turning into the intersection before activating its emergency lights just moments before the woman was struck, which occurred off-screen.
As a result of the incident, Lily Street remains closed between Digger Street and Sheridan Street. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing its investigation and is appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.
