Three people killed in a horror crash between a car and a tanker near Brisbane on Thursday morning were all members of one family.
Steven Wheeler, 54, and his parents Bob Wheeler, 84, and Magret, 81, were all declared dead at the scene following the smash at around 5.45am, the Courier Mail reported.
Emergency services were called to Nanango Tarong Road intersection at Nanango, north-west of Brisbane, after the collision, which took place in foggy conditions.
The male driver of the semi-trailer, 52, suffered minor injuries and was rushed by paramedics to Kingaroy Hospital in a stable condition.
The Wheeler family, from Booie, near Nanango, were remembered as ‘really good people’.
South Burnett Darts Association secretary David Morton sent his condolences to Steven’s daughter.
‘It’s awful what has happened,’ he said. ‘They were all great to play with and really good people.’
Acting Inspector Brett Everest said the tragic deaths would no doubt have an impact on the small community.
‘It will have a resounding effect on the local community as well, it’s just tragic all round,’ he said from the scene.
‘Police have spoken to their families and advised them, and we are certainly making sure they are being looked after moving forward.’
The truck driver was ‘very lucky’ to not suffer more serious injuries, Inspector Everest added.
D’Aguilar Highway was closed in both directions south of Nanango with motorists told to avoid the area.
Emergency services found the B-double truck was found down an embankment near the highway.
The cab of the truck had rolled over near a ditch following the collision, while its multiple trailers remained on the roadside.
Dozens of police and emergency services vehicles blocked off part of the highway as search and rescue efforts took place.
Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing.