The Forensic Crash Unit and the Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) are investigating following a fatal traffic crash involving a stolen vehicle at Smithfield today, 5 August.
Police were called to the Smithfield Bypass at 1.25pm following reports of a traffic crash involving five vehicles.
Early information indicates a Toyota Landcruiser utility travelling south collided with a Rav4 and a Subaru Impreza travelling north.
Investigations indicate the utility was stolen from a Palm Cove address at 1.10pm.
The driver and sole occupant of the Rav4, a 25-year-old Kewarra Beach woman, died at the scene.
A further four people were transported to Cairns Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigations indicate shortly after the crash, a 36-year-old man entered another vehicle and forced the driver to drive him from the scene.
The driver of that vehicle was not physically injured.
Around 2.15pm, police took the man into custody at Reservoir Road.
He was transported to Cairns Hospital and remains under police guard.
Investigations are ongoing, and police are urging anyone with relevant information or vision to come forward.
Quote this reference number: QP2601515138
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
