Stolen Truck Kills Motorist in Wrong-Way Highway Crash After Business Owners' Chase
A tragic head-on collision on a major Queensland highway has claimed the life of a young motorist, with police confirming the truck involved was stolen and had been pursued by several vehicles following earlier criminal activity in the area. The incident occurred on the Bruce Highway near Burpengary, north of Brisbane, shortly after 10.30pm on Tuesday, sparking a major police investigation.
Shocking Collision Captured on Video
Emergency services were called to the scene after reports indicated multiple vehicles were travelling southbound in the northbound lanes. One of these vehicles, a white Isuzu truck, collided head-on with a white Honda Accord travelling in the correct direction. The horrific crash was filmed by witnesses in another car travelling south in the proper lanes, capturing the moment of impact.
In the footage, a woman is heard exclaiming "that's insane" just before the collision. The Honda burst into flames upon impact, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Andre Roberts from Caboolture. Friends and family have described him as "incredible and with a contagious laugh and smile." The truck driver sustained serious head, neck, and pelvic injuries and remains in critical condition in hospital.
Police Investigation Reveals Stolen Vehicle and Pursuit
Detectives have revealed that the truck was a stolen vehicle and believe there was an earlier incident near the Burpengary weighbridge, where the truck allegedly struck a barrier before continuing. Detective Inspector David Harbison stated, "At that point, there were several vehicles involved. The truck then kept going and went around the Uhlmann Road roundabout, and we're thinking that's where it's come back down the wrong way."
Investigators allege some vehicles at the bridge may have been following the truck, with one Ford Ranger reportedly pursuing it closely. Harbison explained, "Some stayed at the weighbridge area. We allege the Ford kept following it the whole time. Some were, not all of them. They were not all in a group. Some are travelling back, probably concerned for what's going on and observing."
Business Owners' Involvement and Ongoing Probe
Police are investigating reports that the vehicles seen following the stolen truck were actions of concerned business owners monitoring their properties due to recent property crimes in the area. "All these businesses are somewhat interlinked," police said. "They know each other. They've been subject to property crime and whatnot, and they made phone calls saying this suspect truck or suspect vehicle is around the area." They emphasised the pursuit appeared unplanned.
The Ford Ranger was located at a property in Magnesium St, Narangba, around 5.30pm on Wednesday and has been seized by police. Harbison noted, "That vehicle actually turned off some distance before the collision. So that's just another piece to the puzzle we have to look at in the whole totality of the investigation. By the time the collision happened... No-one was following the truck at that point."
Massive Police Operation Continues
A 42-year-old man assisted detectives with their inquiries and was later released as forensic examinations continue. Police have declared a crime scene and are treating this as a massive ongoing operation. Harbison vowed, "We will not stop until we get to the bottom of it." Investigators believe the truck travelled against traffic for at least a kilometre before the fatal collision.
Authorities have received more than 20 reports from the public and are continuing to appeal for anyone with dashcam footage or information to come forward. The community is urged to assist as police work to piece together the events leading to this devastating loss of life on the Bruce Highway.
