A woman tragically died and ten of her colleagues were hospitalised after a van crashed into their two stationary vehicles during a roadside stop in Bald Hills.
The Crash
The fatal incident occurred on the Gympie Arterial Road in Brisbane’s north around 9:40 pm on Sunday. According to police, two vehicles – a black Hyundai Imax van and a white Honda Odyssey – had pulled over into the shoulder of the right lane due to a mechanical problem with one of the cars. While stationary, a Toyota Hiace van travelling in the same direction crashed into the parked vehicles from behind.
The Victims
Patcharin Tirasuwan, a restaurant worker, was sadly killed at the scene. It is understood she was outside one of the vehicles, possibly changing a tyre, when the collision happened. Ten other people, all believed to be colleagues of Ms Tirasuwan from the Kinn Thai restaurant at Westfield North Lakes, were injured. All ten were transported to the hospital.
Three men initially suffered life-threatening injuries but have since been reported as being in stable condition. Seven other people – identified as four women and three men – were also taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Community and Family Response
The Kinn Thai restaurant at Westfield North Lakes closed following the accident, confirming staff members were involved. In a social media post, the restaurant described this as an incredibly painful time and expressed that their hearts go out to the staff and families affected.
They thanked the community for outpouring kind words, condolences, and support, stating that this compassion brought comfort during their grief. The restaurant will remain closed until further notice while they support their team.
A vigil for Ms Tirasuwan has been organised at the Wat Thai Buddharam centre in Forestdale. Her sister posted an emotional tribute online, expressing her heartbreak and saying the tragedy felt like a dream. She mentioned that the family was not yet in Australia and was waiting for Ms Tirasuwan’s workplace friends to help manage affairs.
The Royal Thai Honorary Consulate in Brisbane also expressed its deepest condolences to the family and sent strength to the injured, urging the Thai community to exercise increased caution on the roads, especially at night.
Police Investigation
Police investigations into the crash are ongoing. Inspector Gareth Bosley described the scene officers attended as “extremely confronting”. He noted that Forensic Crash Unit officers are working tirelessly to determine the cause of the crash and are supporting the next of kin. Police confirmed the driver of the Toyota Hiace van is assisting with their enquiries, and no charges have been laid at this stage.
Investigators are looking into various factors, including speed, as they piece together the events leading up to the collision. Police have spoken to most of the people involved. They stated that people were both inside and outside the stationary vehicles when the crash occurred. The incident serves as a sombre reminder during the Easter road safety period, with police urging all drivers to slow down, drive to the conditions, and exercise patience.
Police continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the Gympie Arterial Road around the time of the crash, particularly footage showing the stationary Hyundai van and Honda Odyssey before the collision.
Published Date 14-April-2025
Photo Credit: Queensland Police/ Facebook
