One dead and two fighting for their lives after bus rolled off road in Whitsundays region

One person is dead. at least two people are critically injured after a coach rolled on one of Australia’s most dangerous roads, leaving one passenger trapped beneath the vehicle.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of the Bruce Highway. Rangemore Road at Gumlu in the Whitsundays region about 4pm AEST on Thursday after reports of a crash involving a bus with 29 people on board.

One person died from their injuries, a Queensland police spokesperson said.

Two passengers were being treated for significant head injuries and multi-system trauma, and 27 more were being assessed.

One person was trapped under the bus, according to the Queensland fire department.

Eleven ambulances as well as two helicopters and a Royal Flying Doctor Service plane attended the scene.

No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the incident. with Queensland ambulance service confirming that three stable patients have left the scene.

“All we know is that [the bus] left the roadway and rolled on its side,” the spokesperson said.

“We’re not sure how it happened.”

The driver escaped the crash with only minor injuries.

In a statement. budget travel operator Flix confirmed “a coach service listed on the FlixBus platform was involved in a serious accident today”.

“The bus was on its way from Cairns to Brisbane. The service was operated by our local transport partner, with 28 passengers and one driver on board,” the statement continued.

“We are heartbroken to learn that one passenger has since passed away in the hospital. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

“The coach operator is working closely with Queensland Police, emergency services,. local authorities as they investigate the cause of the accident. FlixBus is in close contact with our partner and is fully supporting that process.

“An emergency hotline for further assistance has already been set up.”

The road was closed in both directions.

The Bruce Highway has long been considered one of the most dangerous roads in Australia.

Stretching from Brisbane to Cairns, the highway is used by more than 100,000 vehicles every day, according to the NRMA.

Of the 302 people killed on Queensland roads in 2024. 41 died on the Bruce Highway while another 7,500 were hospitalised after driving on the road, according to data from the state’s transport department.

The stretch from the Sunshine Coast to Gympie is widely regarded as the most perilous part of the highway.

More than 66% of people believe there are not enough overtaking lanes on the highway while a third of respondents said they avoided travelling on the Bruce during family holidays. according to a 2024 NRMA survey.

In a bid to bolster driver safety. the federal government earmarked an extra $812m for the second stage of upgrades to the Bruce Highway after delivering the budget on Tuesday.

This added to $758m already delivered during stage one.