Council speaks after fatal crash with mayor
POLICE are investigating a crash that killed a motorcyclist after he collided with Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill's car.
Emergency services were called to the crash at the corner of Nathan and Alfred streets about 7.50am.
Townsville Police Senior Sergeant Ian Wilkie said a doctor was at the scene working on the man when emergency services arrived.
The man's motorcycle had collided with the left side of Cr Hill's vehicle. The front wheel had broken off the mangled wreckage and was behind the motorcycle.
"The forensic crash unit have attended and the investigation is ongoing," Snr Sgt Wilkie said.
Traffic was chaotic when police arrived at the scene, Snr Sgt Wilkie said.
Tow trucks arrived at the scene about 9.20am to clear the intersection.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said paramedics transported the man to Townsville University Hospital in a critical condition.
It was confirmed by police at the scene a short time later that the motorcyclist had died in hospital.
A Townsville City Council spokesperson released the following statement just after 10.30am this morning:
"Townsville City Council confirms that Mayor Jenny Hill was involved in a traffic incident this morning. Police are currently investigating.
"Our hearts go out to everyone involved in this tragedy.
"We understand that the Mayor is currently being treated for shock.
"No further statement will be made at this time.
"We respectfully ask that all parties involved are given privacy at this time."
A motorbike rider has died in hospital after colliding with Mayor Jenny Hill's car on a busy Nathan Street this morning.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the crash happened shortly before 8am, closing the road to traffic.
Emergency services clean up the scene at the corner of Nathan and Alfred streets. @tsv_bulletin pic.twitter.com/jCa3dcQ6oD
— Caitlan Charles (@ccharles93) January 29, 2020
She said paramedics transported one patient to Townsville University Hospital in a critical condition.
It's since been confirmed by police that the motorcyclist has died.
Queensland Ambulance Services confirmed the driver of the car - believed to be Mayor Jenny Hill - was uninjured in the crash.
Nathan St in Aitkenvale - Townsville is CLOSED btwn Ross River Rd & Alfred St due to a serious traffic crash. Pls avoid and seek alt route #qldtraffic pic.twitter.com/3e2VIUKkfq
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) January 29, 2020
Motorists can expect delays around the crash scene on the corner of Nathan and Alfred streets as forensics examine the scene.
