Mum and teenage son killed in horror collision with truck on Bruce Highway identified as harrowing details emerge
A father seriously injured in a horror three-car crash and facing a long road to recovery will be raising his surviving children alone after his partner and teenage son were killed in the collision.
Tracey Craig and her son Corey, 13, died after the Nissan Navara 4WD they were traveling in was left in a crumpled heap in Raglan, between Gladstone and Rockhampton in central Queensland, late on Tuesday night.
Police allege a truck driver hit the vehicle from behind, causing the 4WD to crash into a Toyota HiLux.
Tracey’s partner Steven was also seriously injured and remains in intensive care.
The couple’s other son, 15, also suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital.
A GoFundMe page started by Alesha Gibson had already raised over $21,000.
“We are heartbroken to share the devastating news of the tragic loss of Tracey and her son Corey, both of whom were taken from us in a car accident earlier this week,” the page reads.
“Losing a mother and her child is a pain no one should have to endure, and their families are struggling to cope with this sudden, heartbreaking loss.”
Corey Craig (left) and his mother Tracey (centre) were killed in a horror attack on Tuesday evening. Her partner Steven (right) was also seriously injured
Mrs. Craig was remembered as an incredible, devoted and loving mother.
“At only 13, Corey had so much life ahead of him, his smile could light up any room and he brought happiness to everyone around him,” the page reads.
“Their loss has left a hole that will never be filled.”
The money raised will help cover funeral costs, assist Steven in his recovery and care for the couple’s two surviving sons.
“While he heals, he is also caring for their two other sons, Kai and Jayden, who are now without their mother and brother. The family desperately needs support at this unimaginable time.”
Corey attended Calliope State High School, which provides counseling for grieving students and staff.
The latest fatality has once again raised concerns about Queensland’s Bruce Highway
A Department for Education spokesperson told the Courier Mail that the school community was ‘deeply saddened’ by what had happened.
“Support is also provided to students and staff, and guidance counselors will remain at the school to provide support in whatever way is needed for as long as it is needed,” the spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”
The truck driver, 30, has been charged in connection with the accident
Police allege he failed to slow down, causing him to hit the Nissan Navara from behind, pushing it into a Toyota HiLux ahead.
The Hilux driver and his passenger were also slightly injured.
Police say the Nissan Navara was traveling south along the Bruce Highway when it slowed behind the highway Hilux, which was transporting a wide load shortly after 11 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
One semi-trailer theneventually crashed into the Navara, forcing it into the HiLux.
The truck driver has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death or serious bodily injury.
He will appear at Gladstone Magistrates Court on December 9.
“This crash has torn one family apart and traumatized countless others,” Acting Inspector Ben Wiltshire told the newspaper Courier mail.
He lamented that this was one of the worst years for traffic fatalities the region has seen in years.
The 2024 toll in the Capricornia District stands at 22 lives lost, already nine more than last year’s toll.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the state government must do more on the Bruce Highway and promised to establish an advisory body by the end of the year.
“Every time an incident like this happens on the Bruce, it leaves regional communities in a real sense of despair, and our hopes and thoughts are with the families and with that community as well,” he said.