Fatal Crash on Brisbane's Gateway Motorway Causes Major Delays

Brisbane, Australia – A fatal multi-car crash occurred early this morning on the Gateway Motorway near the Old Cleveland Road ramp in Belmont, leading to significant traffic disruptions and one confirmed death. Queensland Ambulance Service reported the incident took place around 5:00 AM, resulting in the closure of multiple lanes and delays exceeding an hour for commuters in the area.

According to QLD Traffic, as of 8:12 AM, only one northbound lane remained open, creating considerable congestion along the motorway. Authorities have advised drivers to avoid the affected area while emergency services conducted their investigations and cleared the scene. "This incident is ongoing," a spokesperson for Queensland Ambulance stated.

This tragic event marks yet another reminder of the dangers on Australian roadways, with statistics from the Queensland Government indicating a rising trend in road fatalities. In 2022, there were 1,000 reported deaths from road accidents across Australia, a concerning figure that underscores the necessity for enhanced road safety measures (Queensland Transport Department, 2023).

The crash site attracted significant media attention, especially following the release of dramatic footage showing a motorist allegedly driving through the police roadblock set up at the crash scene. Officers from the forensic crash unit were present when a black Holden Commodore ute reportedly drove through the area, narrowly missing police before fleeing (Caldwell, Brisbane Times, June 17, 2025).

In a parallel incident, an off-duty police officer was reportedly attacked by a group of teenagers on a Gold Coast tram, raising further concerns regarding public safety in the region. Premier David Crisafulli, addressing the media, stated, "We must ensure that our public transport systems are safe for all users, and we will take any necessary measures to address these issues."

The Gateway Motorway has been notorious for accidents in the past, with the increasing population and vehicle usage contributing to higher traffic volumes. According to Professor Mark Thompson, an expert in transportation policy at the University of Queensland, "As Brisbane continues to grow, the infrastructure must evolve to handle the increased traffic safely. This includes not only road expansions but also enhanced public transport options."

The state government has been under pressure to improve road safety measures and address the growing concerns associated with traffic congestion. Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, emphasized the government's commitment to investing in road infrastructure, stating, "We are actively working on projects aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety across our transport network."

In light of today’s events, authorities are urging all drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to speed limits and road safety regulations. The Queensland Police Service has reiterated the importance of following road signs and directives from emergency personnel, especially in accident-prone areas.

As investigations continue, the broader implications for traffic safety in Brisbane will be closely monitored, with calls for more robust measures to prevent such incidents from reoccurring in the future.