Doomadgee crash: Man arrested after ‘catastrophic’ collision kills mother and 10-year-old girl, Queensland

A man has been arrested after a “catastrophic” crash in Northwest Queensland killed a mother and her 10-year-old daughter and left three other children injured.

Emergency services were called to Doomadgee Road just after 6.30am on Friday, where a black 2011 Nissan Maxima and a white 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser had collided near the remote Indigenous community of Doomadgee.

The 30-year-old driver of the Land Cruiser, a woman from Cloncurry, was found with critical injuries and died at the scene despite efforts by paramedics. Her 10-year-old daughter was rushed to Doomadgee Hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Three other children, including a one-year-old boy, a three-year-old girl, and a four-year-old boy, were also injured. Two were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, while one remains in a critical condition.

Police later confirmed the driver of the Nissan, a 28-year-old Doomadgee man now in custody, was known to the victims. Acting Superintendent Paul Austin said the man had been in a relationship with the woman killed in the crash and is the father or stepfather of the children.

Investigators are considering domestic violence as part of their inquiries.

He remains under police guard as investigations continue.

Acting Supt Austin described the crash as “nothing short of a tragedy.”

“What occurred on Friday is nothing short of a tragedy, and our officers are dedicated to thoroughly investigating what has occurred, as well as working with the Doomadgee community,” Supt Austin said.

Photos released by police show both vehicles show the Land Cruiser and the Nissan, extensively damaged, with shattered windscreens and deployed airbags.

“The images of these vehicles are confronting; however, we hope that they can assist our enquiries into this matter and help our officers better understand what has occurred,” Supt Austin said.

Police have appealed to anyone who saw either vehicle in the hours or days leading up to the crash to come forward.

“We appeal to anyone who may have seen these vehicles in the days or hours before Friday or may have had interactions with their occupants to contact Doomadgee or Mount Isa Police, as well as Crime Stoppers or Policelink,” Supt Austin said.

A crime scene has been declared, with forensic crash investigators continuing to work through debris and evidence at the site.

Supt Austin told ABC that investigators are exploring all possibilities, including whether domestic violence or other factors may have played a role, but said it was too early to confirm the cause.

“As you can imagine, it’s certainly a tragic event. The investigation must be methodical and comprehensive,” he said.

He added that local police were working to support a grieving community reeling from the “catastrophic crash.”

“Certainly the grief that’s been experienced as a result of this incident has been extreme,” he said.

“We will continue to do whatever we can to support the community through this time.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersqld.com.au.