Highway Patrol Officer Critically Injured in Queensland Collision
A collision on the Cunningham Highway leaves a senior constable critically injured and the truck driver hospitalized.
A serious traffic accident involving a police vehicle and a truck has occurred on the Cunningham Highway in Queensland's Scenic Rim, resulting in critical injuries to a highway patrol officer and hospitalizing the truck driver.
Senior Constable Chris Leonard, approximately in his 50s, was reportedly trapped in the police vehicle following the crash with the truck, which happened around 1 PM local time.
Paramedics provided treatment for life-threatening head and arm injuries to the officer while still inside the vehicle.
A rescue helicopter was deployed to the scene to aid in his transport.
Leonard was subsequently taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
The accident left the highway blocked with the truck overturning and obstructing both lanes, prompting a response from firefighting crews who needed to cut through the vehicle wreckage to allow paramedics access.
Superintendent Kylie Rigg from the Ipswich District Police commented on the rarity and severity of such incidents stating, 'We obviously don't have police involved in traffic crashes often.' She noted the considerable impact this has had on the officer's colleagues and family, with Leonard’s wife present at the hospital.
The truck driver, whose injuries were deemed minor, was transported in stable condition to Ipswich Hospital.
The Forensic Crash Unit of the Queensland Police is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the collision.
The Cunningham Highway remains closed near Warrill View Peak Crossing Road as authorities continue their work.
Officials have called for any witnesses to provide information regarding the incident.
Senior Constable Chris Leonard, approximately in his 50s, was reportedly trapped in the police vehicle following the crash with the truck, which happened around 1 PM local time.
Paramedics provided treatment for life-threatening head and arm injuries to the officer while still inside the vehicle.
A rescue helicopter was deployed to the scene to aid in his transport.
Leonard was subsequently taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
The accident left the highway blocked with the truck overturning and obstructing both lanes, prompting a response from firefighting crews who needed to cut through the vehicle wreckage to allow paramedics access.
Superintendent Kylie Rigg from the Ipswich District Police commented on the rarity and severity of such incidents stating, 'We obviously don't have police involved in traffic crashes often.' She noted the considerable impact this has had on the officer's colleagues and family, with Leonard’s wife present at the hospital.
The truck driver, whose injuries were deemed minor, was transported in stable condition to Ipswich Hospital.
The Forensic Crash Unit of the Queensland Police is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the collision.
The Cunningham Highway remains closed near Warrill View Peak Crossing Road as authorities continue their work.
Officials have called for any witnesses to provide information regarding the incident.
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