The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit is appealing for witnesses following a two-vehicle traffic crash that claimed the lives of three women – aged 21, 33 and 56 – at Gumlu, north of Bowen, last Sunday.
Initial investigations indicate that at approximately 11.05am, a bus with 33 passengers was travelling north along the Bruce Highway when it crossed onto the wrong side of the road and struck a Landcruiser station wagon which was towing a caravan.
Three people on the bus, including a 33-year-old German woman, a 21-year-old German woman, and a 56-year-old Townsville woman, died at the scene. Several other bus passengers were also injured.
The bus driver, a 51-year-old Townsville man, was not physically injured. The other driver, an 83-year-old Victorian man, was also unhurt.
“Both drivers, their passengers, and multiple witnesses are continuing to assist police with the ongoing investigation, which remains in its infancy,” Police said in a statement.
Police are appealing to nearby motorists, particularly the driver of a white utility, believed to be travelling behind the bus prior to the crash, to come forward.
Anyone with relevant vision is also urged to contact police.