At least three dead after bus collides with car in north Queensland

On the Bruce Highway in north Queensland, a four-wheel drive towing a caravan collided with a Greyhound bus carrying thirty-three passengers, resulting in the deaths of at least three women.

At approximately 11 a.m. on Sunday, a collision happened on a section of the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Bowen, approximately 8 km north of the town of Gumlu.

Four men remained in hospital in Townsville on Sunday night, two of them in a critical condition and two stable.

Queensland Police Superintendent Graeme Paine said the car was traveling south and the bus was driving north. All the fatalities and injured passengers were onboard the bus.

Greyhound Australia CEO Dan Smith said staff at the company were “heartbroken” about the deaths of the three passengers aboard its service GX402, traveling from Brisbane to Townsville.

“This is a tragic incident and our deepest sympathies go out to those involved and their families and friends,” Mr Smith said.

“We are working closely with authorities to assist them with their investigation in understanding the course of events that have led to this accident. We are also providing support to members of our team impacted by this tragedy.

“We will provide further updates as more information becomes available and ask that you respect the privacy of those involved at this extremely difficult time.”

Paramedics assessed 27 people at the scene — of those, seven had life-threatening injuries, according to Queensland Ambulance.