A fatal collision involving an scooter and an skateboard has left one man dead and another seriously injured in Urangan, Queensland, with police now increasing enforcement efforts across the area.
According to reports, the crash happened on Wednesday evening along the Boat Harbour Drive bike corridor. Emergency crews responded to reports of a collision between the two riders, where they found a 39 year old man riding the e scooter with fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other rider, a 30 year old man from Urangan who was riding an electric skateboard, suffered serious head and facial injuries. Paramedics transported him to Hervey Bay Hospital, where he was reported to be in a potentially life threatening condition.
Police described the aftermath of the crash as extremely distressing. Inspector Paul Aglie said officers arrived to a traumatic scene and acknowledged members of the public who rushed over to assist both riders before emergency services reached the area.
He thanked those who stopped to help, saying it was encouraging to see people do everything they could during such a critical situation.
The fatal collision comes as Queensland police continue a statewide operation targeting electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric bikes, and other powered personal mobility devices. Since the campaign began on July 1, officers in the local area have seized 16 illegally modified devices and handed out infringement notices for riding illegally modified vehicles on public roads and for speeding.
Police also revealed that one person stopped during the operation was charged with drink driving after allegedly recording a blood alcohol reading nearly three times the legal limit.
Following Wednesday night's fatal crash, Inspector Aglie said officers would maintain a stronger presence throughout the area and continue enforcing the updated rules that came into effect earlier this month.
He warned that anyone caught ignoring the regulations should expect strict enforcement, adding that every fatal crash has a lasting impact on families, friends, first responders, and the wider community.
Authorities are continuing to investigate what led to the collision and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or nearby surveillance footage to come forward. Police hope additional information will help establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.