A 56-year-old man has been formally charged with drug driving in connection with a tragic truck accident that resulted in the death of a three-year-old girl and left her one-year-old sister in critical condition.
The driver is accused of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a relevant drug. He is scheduled to appear before the Caloundra Magistrates Court on April 23.
The incident occurred on January 8, when the Mitsubishi Fuso truck, operated by the man, collided with three vehicles at an intersection in Banya, near Caloundra.
Both Ineza King, aged 3, and her younger sister, Itahe King, who were seated in the back of one of the affected vehicles, were airlifted to the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) in Brisbane due to their severe injuries.
In addition, five other individuals involved in the crash were transported to a local hospital on the Sunshine Coast, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
Tragically, Ineza passed away a week later, prompting her family to describe her as a “beautiful spirit” in a public statement. “It is with great sadness we share the passing of our Ineza,” her parents expressed at that time. “True to her name, which means kindness, Ineza was full of life and energy. She loved her family and friends, outdoor adventures, bedtime stories, and having her beautiful hair styled by her mummy. Ineza’s favourite saying, ‘sharing is caring’, reflects her beautiful spirit.”
An online fundraising campaign honoring Ineza garnered nearly $26,000, where she was remembered as a girl who “thrived at day care, made friends easily and seemed to draw people to her naturally.” The tribute continued, stating, “Her life, though far too short, was full — full of love, laughter, movement, music, wonder, and warmth, and she will be so very, very missed.”
The man from Rosemount faces a charge of driving a motor vehicle while a relevant drug is present, which is considered a lesser offense compared to operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs. If convicted, he may face penalties that include a potential nine-month license suspension, a fine up to $1,706, or a maximum sentence of three months imprisonment.
The Forensic Crash Unit is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
