Detectives from the Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have charged a 36-year-old Warrami man following a fatal traffic crash involving a stolen vehicle at Smithfield yesterday, 5 August.
It will be alleged the man stole a Toyota Landcruiser utility from Williams Esplanade at Palm Cove at 1.10pm.
At 1.25pm, police received reports the utility was travelling south on the Smithfield Bypass and collided with a Rav4 and a Subaru Impreza travelling north.
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.
Police allege shortly after the crash, the 36-year-old man entered a Toyota C-HR and forced the driver, a 71-year-old man, to drive him from the scene.
The 71-year-old man was not physically injured.
Around 2.15pm, police took the man into custody at Reservoir Road and transported him to Cairns Hospital for treatment.
He was charged with one count each of stealing of a vehicle, dangerous operation of a vehicle and adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, manslaughter, driver fail to remain at incident and render assistance showing callous disregard for the needs of a person injured, and unlawful entry of vehicle for committing indictable offence.
He was refused police bail and is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court today, 6 August.
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.
