A three-year-old boy died in the foyer of Beenleigh Police Station on Saturday morning after a traffic crash on Queensland’s northern Gold Coast. Officers performed CPR, but the child could not be saved.
The tragedy unfolded shortly before 5 am on 25th October when police were called to Burnside Road following reports of a crash.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
A witness to the crash helped a 22-year-old woman and the young boy from the vehicle. They were then transported to Beenleigh Police Station rather than waiting for emergency services at the scene.
Within minutes of arriving at the station, the toddler became unresponsive in the foyer. Officers immediately began CPR, but the boy died despite their efforts.
Queensland Police have confirmed multiple people were in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Beenleigh Police Station
Man Flees Scene With Second Child
A 24-year-old Beenleigh man, believed to have been in the vehicle, left the crash scene with a one-year-old boy before police arrived.
Authorities located both the man and child at a Beenleigh address around 6.30 am. The younger boy was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Police have stated the 24-year-old man is currently assisting with inquiries. No charges have been laid at this stage.
Multiple Crime Scenes Established
Queensland Police established multiple crime scenes as part of their ongoing investigation. Beenleigh Police Station was temporarily closed but has since reopened.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities have confirmed there is no threat to the community.
Queensland’s Worsening Road Toll
This latest tragedy adds to Queensland’s mounting road toll. In 2024, 302 people were killed on Queensland roads, making it the worst year for road trauma since 2009.
The northern Gold Coast region has been particularly affected this year.
The North Coast region has recorded 32 of Queensland’s road deaths in 2025, marking a 68 per cent increase on the same period last year.
Key Contributing Factors
The most common contributing factors in serious and fatal crashes continue to be speeding, fatigue, distraction, including mobile phone use, incorrect seatbelt use, and drink and drug driving.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Shane Holmes said officers were deeply concerned about the rising toll.
“Some road users are displaying a complete disregard for their own safety and the safety of others,” he stated earlier this year.
“These lives lost aren’t just statistics. This number represents real people: mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and friends whose lives have been cut short.”
Witnesses Urged to Come Forward
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the Burnside Road crash or has relevant dashcam footage to contact authorities.
Information can be provided through:
- Policelink’s online suspicious activity form at police.qld.gov.au/reporting (24 hours)
- Crime Stoppers anonymously (reports can be made without providing personal details)
Location and Context
Beenleigh sits approximately 35 kilometres south of Brisbane’s CBD. The area has experienced several serious traffic incidents in recent months.
The Burnside Road crash occurred during the early morning hours, when visibility is reduced and roads are generally quieter.
Investigations into the exact cause and circumstances remain ongoing.
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Community Impact
The death of a young child in such circumstances has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Queensland continues to grapple with road safety challenges despite increased patrols, operations and public awareness campaigns.
The incident serves as another stark reminder of the devastating consequences of traffic crashes on Queensland’s roads.
Authorities have not released the identities of those involved, citing ongoing investigations and privacy concerns.
