Three people who died in a horrific crash between a car and a tanker truck near Brisbane on Thursday morning were all members of the same family.
Steven Wheeler, 54, and his parents Bob Wheeler, 84, and Magret, 81, were pronounced dead at the scene following the crash which occurred around 5.45am. mail reported.
Emergency services were called to the Nanango Tarong Road intersection in Nanango, northwest of Brisbane, after the collision, which took place in foggy conditions.
The car’s occupants, an 81-year-old woman, an 84-year-old man and a 54-year-old man, died at the scene and have now been revealed as family members.
Steven Wheeler, 54, and his parents died in the crash.
The semi-trailer driver, 52, suffered minor injuries and was rushed 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.
“What has happened is terrible,” he said. “They were all great to play with and really good people.”
Acting Inspector Brett Everest said the tragic deaths would undoubtedly have an impact on the small community.
“It will have a resounding effect on the local community as well, it’s just tragic in every way,” he said from the scene.
“The police have spoken to their families and advised them, and we are certainly ensuring that they are cared for moving forward.”
The truck driver was “very lucky” not to suffer more serious injuries, Inspector Everest added.
The lorry 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 asked to avoid the area.
Emergency services found the B-double truck was on an embankment near the motorway.
The truck’s cab overturned near a ditch after the collision, while its multiple trailers remained on the side of the road.
Dozens of police and emergency services vehicles blocked part of the road while search and rescue efforts were carried out.
Investigations by the Forensic Accident Unit continue.
