Three people killed in a horror crash between a car and a tanker near Brisbane on Thursday morning were all members of one family.
Steven Wheeler, 54, and his parents Bob Wheeler, 84, and Magret, 81, were all pronounced dead at the scene after the impact around 5.45am. Courier mail reported.
Emergency services were called to the Nanango Tarong Road intersection in Nanango, northwest of Brisbane, following the collision, which occurred in foggy conditions.
The occupants of the car – an 81-year-old woman, an 84-year-old man and a 54-year-old man – were killed at the scene and are now known as family.
Steven Wheeler, 54, and his parents were killed in the crash
The male driver of the semi-trailer, 52, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Kingaroy Hospital by paramedics in a stable condition.
The Wheeler family, from Booie, near Nanango, were remembered as ‘really good people’.
South Burnett Darts Association Secretary David Morton sent his condolences to Steven’s daughter.
“It’s terrible what happened,” he said. “They were all great to play with and really good people.”
Acting Inspector Brett Everest said the tragic deaths will undoubtedly have an impact on the small community.
“It will also have a devastating effect on the local community, it’s just tragic,” he said from the scene.
“Police have spoken to their families and advised them and we will certainly ensure they are looked after in the future.”
The truck driver was “very lucky” not to suffer more serious injuries, Inspector Everest added.
The truck driver was ‘very lucky’ not to suffer more serious injuries and was taken to Kingaroy Hospital by paramedics in a stable condition.
The D’Aguilar Highway was closed in both directions south of Nanango and motorists were told to avoid the area.
Emergency services noted that the B-double truck was found along an embankment near the highway.
The truck’s cab had overturned near a ditch after the collision, while the multiple semi-trailers remained along the road.
Dozens of police and emergency vehicles blocked part of the highway as search and rescue efforts took place.
The Forensic Crash Unit investigation continues.