Woman dies in scooter crash on popular tourist island

Duncan Murray | June 24, 2023

A 26-year-old Belgian tourist has died after crashing a scooter into a street sign on Queensland’s Magnetic Island.

The woman was exploring the picturesque island near Townsville by motor scooter when she collided with the street sign about 3pm on Friday.

Members of the public initially provided first aid before the woman was transferred to Townsville University Hospital.

The woman underwent emergency surgery but died from her injuries about 9pm.

Authorities are working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to notify her family in Belgium.

A short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island attracts visitors from around the world to see white sand beaches and Australia’s largest colony of koalas.