A Central Queensland Rescue helicopter is triaging multiple patients at the scene of the crash in Gumlu, north Queensland. Photo: CQ Rescue
At least three women are dead after a Greyhound bus carrying 33 people collided with a four-wheel drive towing a caravan on the Bruce Highway in north Queensland.
The crash occurred on a stretch of the Bruce Highway near the town of Gumlu, north of Bowen, around 11am Sunday morning.
Queensland Police Superintendent Graeme Paine said the car was travelling south and the bus was driving north, believed to be en route to Townsville. All the fatalities and injured passengers were on board the bus, he said.
Describing the crash as a "very significant incident," Superintendent Paine said one person had been airlifted from the scene.
He said it was not clear what caused the collision, but it occurred in a 100kph zone.
"We haven't determined any factors that have contributed to the crash at this stage, but certainly a crash of this nature involving this many people is a very significant and very tragic incident for us."
Anyone with information about the accident, such as dashcam footage, should contact police, he added.
Images from the scene show a badly damaged bus with a crushed front cabin on the highway, surrounded by police officers and ambulance workers.
Paramedics assessed 27 people at the scene - of those, seven had life-threatening injuries, according to Queensland Ambulance.
They have been taken to Townsville University Hospital and Ayr Health Service emergency departments.
Members of the community have been asked to stay away from the hospital as staff treat the injured, unless their matter is serious.
"Staff at both hospitals are currently busy managing patients from the crash," the Townsville Hospital and Health Service said in a social media post.
A Google Maps screenshot showing the location of a bus crash near Gumlu in northern Queensland. Photo: Goog
Bruce Highway closed in both directions
The ABC believes the Greyhound bus departed Brisbane at 12.00pm on Saturday and was expected to arrive in Townsville at 12.10pm on Sunday.
The Bruce Highway has been closed in both directions, causing serious delays, according to Queensland Ambulance.
Delays have also hit the Queensland Rail service due to the proximity of the crash to rail lines.
A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said the North Coast line between Bobawaba and Gumlu will remain closed for emergency services to respond to the crash.
The northbound Spirit of Queensland is being held at Proserpine and the southbound Spirit of Queensland is being held at Townsville.
Superintendent Paine said school holidays are a busy time on Queensland roads, and has urged people to take steps to arrive at their destination safely.
Gumlu Tavern owners Toni and Colin Dale said they have opened their business early to give stranded travellers a place to get some water and use the bathroom.
- This story was first published by the ABC