Driver charged after alleged carjacking and dramatic Story Bridge rollover crash
A driver has been charged following an alleged wild chain of events that culminated in a dramatic rollover crash on an inner-city bridge, causing significant traffic chaos across Brisbane.
Alleged crime spree spans two days
Police allege that a 31-year-old Woolloongabba man stole a black Toyota Yaris from a business on Logan Rd at Eight Mile Plains around 11pm on Thursday. The Yaris was then reportedly driven dangerously through suburbs including Toowong, Greenslopes, and Brisbane City before crashing on MacDonald St at Kangaroo Point about 3pm on Friday.
Carjacking incident and bridge collision
At approximately 3.10pm, the man allegedly approached a red Toyota Corolla stopped on Main St at Kangaroo Point. He forcibly removed the 43-year-old female driver from Mango Hill and fled in the vehicle. Shortly after, the Corolla was seen being driven erratically on the Story Bridge, where it collided with several vehicles before rolling over.
Major traffic disruptions and delays
The crash forced the closure of all lanes on the iconic Story Bridge, leading to lengthy delays and widespread traffic chaos across Brisbane's road network during peak hour. TransLink reported that bus services relying on the bridge and surrounding roads were delayed by at least 30 minutes. Lanes reopened shortly after 4pm.
Injuries and police charges
The accused man sustained minor injuries and was taken to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital under police guard. Police have laid seven charges against him, including:
- Two counts of unlawful use of a vehicle
- Two counts of driving without a driver's licence
- Two counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle while affected by an intoxicating substance
- One count of robbery armed with personal violence
These charges relate to an alleged crime spree that spanned two days and multiple Brisbane suburbs. The man is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.
