Charges for man found in water drain after fatal crash

Robyn Wuth | September 22, 2023

A man found in a stormwater drain after allegedly fleeing the scene of a crash that killed an elderly woman north of Brisbane has been charged.

The 72-year-old woman died on impact while her passenger daughter, 41, was seriously injured. 

A stolen Holden Commodore utility collided with the women’s Suzuki Swift in Kippa Ring just before 7am on Friday, Queensland Police said.

Two hours later, a man who allegedly fled the scene was tracked by police dogs to the stormwater drain 1.5km from the accident and taken into custody. 

The 27-year-old, from Aspley, has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm, failure to remain at an incident and render assistance, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing.

Police have established the utility was allegedly stolen from a Stafford address between Monday and Tuesday.

“It’s a terrible tragedy,” Inspector Craig White told reporters on Friday. 

The man is due to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.