A horror crash has claimed the lives of four women in their 20s on the New England Highway on Wednesday night.
Police allege a semi-trailer smashed into the side of a car at high speed shortly after 5.30pm on the highway, between Warwick and Stanthorpe.
Reports suggest the Honda CRV failed to give way and was T-boned by the truck, killing all four Korean backpackers inside.
Queensland police said they died at the scene.
The backpackers are believed to have finished work at a nearby farm when the tragedy occurred.
The women had arrived into Australia just a few weeks before the accident.
The truck driver was taken to the Stanthorpe hospital in a state of shock and remains in a stable condition.
Queensland Police said the crash occurred near The Summit at the intersection of Granite Belt Drive.
All northbound lanes on the highway were closed, with a diversion in place for northbound traffic.
Other motorists were told delays would be extensive and to avoid the area.
Mr Condon warned there may be further delays when the forensic crashxjmtzyw unit returns to reassess the scene on Thursday.
Steven Johns from the Queensland Ambulance Service urged the public to stay safe on the roads during the Easter period.
“These accidents do take tolls on our first responders.” he said,
Assistant commissioner Mike Condon said the state has already lost 11 more lives than this time last year.
More than 59 drivers have been detected committing road offences since the Easter campaign – which aims to keep drivers safe during the busy period – was announced by police last week.
Mr Condon reinforced that police surveillance has increased during the holidays.
“Witnesses, especially those with dashcam footage capturing the moments leading up to and including the crash are urged to come forward,” police said.
