June 15, 2026

Young Woman Survives Multi-Car Crash 



17-year-old Esther Rose McCaul was airlifted to Townsville University Hospital after being involved in a multi-car crash at the Gairloch S-bend at Bemerside.  

17-year-old Esther-Rose McCaul has been identified as one of the victims of a multi-vehicle crash which occurred at the Gairloch S-bend at Bemerside on the morning of June 10th.

Authorities confirmed that Esther-Rose was airlifted to Townsville University Hospital in a serious but stable condition and has since received surgery for her injuries. 


The crash is believed to have occurred when a Holden Commodore Ute driven by a male lost control and left the road. A Nissan Patrol collided with Esther-Rose’s Honda Civic when attempting to avoid the Ute.

The Honda left the highway and hit a power pole.  

Two additional patients were also tended to at the scene, and transported by road to Ingham Hospital in a stable condition with minor injuries. 


The male in the Holden Commodore is reported to have left the scene and appeals have since been made to track down the driver. 



Outpourings of well wishes have been delivered to Esther-Rose who is a young artist and active community member, having won the Youth Award at the Hinchinbrook Shire Council Birdlife Art Awards in 2025 for her painting Black Cockatoo.