A 31-year-old motorcyclist has died in hospital following a two-vehicle Murarrie crash on the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge, with the Forensic Crash Unit investigating the circumstances.
Initial investigations indicate the collision occurred about 8:13pm on Thursday, 9 July, in the southbound lanes of the bridge.
A black Yamaha motorcycle struck the rear of a blue GWM Haval Jolion. The rider sustained significant injuries and was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Police later confirmed that the 31-year-old man died in hospital during the afternoon of 12 July. The occupants of the Haval sustained minor injuries.
Forensic Crash Unit Examines Murarrie Crash
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Police appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have relevant vision, to provide information.
The southbound Gateway Motorway Bridge was reduced to one lane following the crash. The bridge reopened at 11pm.
No cause or contributing factor has been confirmed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Road-Safety Risks For Queensland Drivers
Broader road-safety guidance identifies speeding, drink driving, drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone distraction and failure to wear a seatbelt among the behaviours associated with serious and fatal crashes.
Research from the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland states that travelling 5km/h above the speed limit in an urban area can double the risk of a casualty crash.
Drink driving is identified as a contributing factor in 30 per cent of fatal crashes across Australia, while more than one in four drivers and riders killed on Australian roads have recorded a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.
Seatbelt use also remains an important safety measure. Unrestrained drivers and passengers are eight times more likely to be killed in a road crash.
Fatigue can similarly reduce driving ability. A driver who has been awake for 17 hours can experience impairment comparable to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05.
Mobile phone use can increase crash risk fourfold, including when a hands-free device is being used.
Police have not identified any of these behaviours as a factor in the Murarrie collision. The road-safety information provides general context only while investigators work to establish the circumstances.
Anyone with information can contact Policelink through the Queensland Police online reporting service or by calling 131 444.
Reports can also be made anonymously to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1800 333 000. The police reference number is QP2601331823.
Published 13-July-2026
