Friday 5 August 2011

Highway claims more victims

The Captain Cook Highway has claimed two more victims after an accident South of Oak Beach yesterday morning.

Two cars collided head-on at a notorious section of the highway with both vehicles sustaining major front-end damage.

A 60 year-old Cairns women was admitted to hospital for observation while a 43 year-old local woman who was treated at the scene.

According to Port Douglas Police, the accident was likely due to slippery road conditions after overnight rain.

"The initial investigation looks like it's going to go that way," said Constable Dominic Varfis. "It doesn't appear like anyone is at fault...but we haven't finished speaking to both parties at this stage."

Constable Varfis, who was called out to yesterday's accident, said he has had prior history with collisions at that very location.

"I've been to almost exactly the same accident at the same spot - someone drifts onto the other the side of the road - it wasn't quite as bad, there wasn't a head on, but in more or less exactly the same spot."

As reported in The Newsport article '$463 million in FNQ road funding' (Wednesday 6 July, 2011) the State Government has committed $30 million of funding to fixing 77 kilometres of damaged sections along the Captain Cook Highway.

20 sites of the highway between Cairns and Mossman are currently earmarked for reconstruction works.

Other recent related stories:

The Viewpoint - Road works don't work

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My 2+Cents , 10-08-11 14:27:

I agree with Craig, people need to drive accordingly. In North America, you don't drive 120KM in a blizzard? You slow down...Same concept, if you feel uncomfortable at the speed your going, your intuition is telling you to slow down. I've been passed on that road by one car doing 120KM! I was so shocked when they passed me and I had my children in the car! Come on, people...we have to take care of each other! For place that's so relaxed and care free, why is everyone is such a hurry? It's the Tropics, not New York City!

Jim McMahon, 07-08-11 04:50:

This is the same inadequate road that David Marriner thinks people will drive to go to his theatre at the Mirage?

Just another reason Marriner has a screw loose if he thinks either the feds or state is going to start handing over our money to him, for free. And until he discloses from what Chinese interests he's gotten his $35mil to buy the place, his whole plan is suspect. So many Chinese companies are just fronts for the government and military, and there is no legitimate reason for Marriner to be hiding this information.

Bruno Scatena, 05-08-11 17:00:

I was in a shuttle bus on the way to the airport and was just a few cars behind it when it happened. I'm glad no one was seriously hurt. There were quite a few vehicles backed up and I was sure that I'd miss my flight back home. Fortunately, I made it. It's a dangerous road and everyone needs to slow down.

Craig Burkill, 05-08-11 13:25:

"It doesn't appear like anyone is at fault..." Yes that's right... its the road's fault!

It certainly wouldn't be one of the drivers driving beyond their and the car's ability in the prevailing road conditions.

Here is a news flash: It is a tight and twisty road, and like most surfaces ... It gets slippery when it is wet.

The Cook Highway will never be a straight road, and although roads can always be improved on, if people don't drive to the conditions there will always be accidents.