Man Charged After Fatal Smithfield Crash

A 36-year-old Warrami man has been charged following a fatal collision involving an allegedly stolen vehicle at Smithfield in Far North Queensland. The crash occurred on the Smithfield Bypass on August 5, Queensland Police said.

Police allege the man stole a Toyota LandCruiser utility from Palm Cove at about 1:10 p.m. and was driving south on the bypass 15 minutes later when the vehicle collided with a Toyota RAV4 and a Subaru Impreza travelling north.

The 25-year-old driver and sole occupant of the RAV4, a Kewarra Beach woman, died at the scene. Four other people were taken to Cairns Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police further allege the man entered a Toyota C-HR after the crash and forced its 71-year-old driver to take him from the scene. The man was arrested at Reservoir Road at about 2:15 p.m. and taken to hospital for treatment.

He faces charges including manslaughter, dangerous operation of a vehicle, stealing a vehicle, driving while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, failing to remain at a crash and render assistance, and unlawful entry of a vehicle. Police bail was refused, and he was due to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on August 6. Investigations continue, with police seeking information or vision related to the crash under reference QP2601515138.