Key Takeaways
- A 77-year-old woman was fatally hit by her own car in a shopping centre car park on the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane.
- The incident occurred two days before Christmas and resulted in significant head injuries, which were fatal.
- The woman’s death will not be added to the road toll because she was struck on private property.
- Queensland’s peak road safety body had recently warned that the state was close to recording its highest road death toll in 15 years.
- A report is being prepared for the coroner, and the incident is being investigated.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred on December 24, 2025, when a 77-year-old woman was hit by her own car in a shopping centre car park on the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane. The woman, a local resident of Tewantin, was struck by her Volkswagen T-Cross, which had rolled backwards, in the car park of a Woolworths shopping centre on Poinciana Avenue. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 4pm, and paramedics treated the woman for significant head injuries. Unfortunately, she died at the scene, just two days before Christmas.
The Investigation
The incident is currently being investigated, and a report is being prepared for the coroner. Police were called to the scene and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death. The Queensland police spokesperson stated that the woman’s death would not be added to the road toll because she was fatally struck on private property owned by the shopping centre. This distinction is important, as it highlights the complexities of reporting and recording road fatalities. The police are taking a thorough approach to the investigation, and more information is expected to come to light in the coming days.
Road Safety Concerns
The woman’s death comes at a time when Queensland’s peak road safety body has warned that the state is close to recording its highest road death toll in 15 years. This is a concerning trend, and it highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance on the roads. The road safety body’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the need for all road users to be mindful of their surroundings. The incident on the Sunshine Coast is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with driving and the importance of taking necessary precautions to stay safe on the roads.
The Importance of Private Property Designation
The fact that the woman’s death will not be added to the road toll because she was struck on private property highlights the complexities of recording and reporting road fatalities. The designation of private property versus public roads can have significant implications for how incidents are reported and recorded. In this case, the shopping centre car park is considered private property, which means that the incident will not be included in the official road toll. This distinction is important, as it can impact the way that road safety statistics are tracked and reported.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident on the Sunshine Coast is a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance when driving or walking in car parks. The investigation into the woman’s death is ongoing, and a report is being prepared for the coroner. As the state of Queensland approaches the end of the year, it is a timely reminder of the need for safe driving practices and the importance of being mindful of one’s surroundings. The incident serves as a sombre reminder of the risks associated with driving and the importance of taking necessary precautions to stay safe on the roads.