Updated
Queensland police have charged a 14-year-old boy alleged to have been driving a stolen car that was almost cut in two when it crashed on Brisbane’s bayside, killing a teenage passenger and injuring four others.
Key points:
- A 14-year-old boy from Waterford West, who was critically injured in the crash, is charged with dangerous driving causing death and several other charges
- A 10-year-old female passenger in the car is charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle
- Friends are fondly remembering teenager Jacob Hopkins, who was killed in the crash
Police alleged six people — aged between 10 and 16 — were in the station wagon when it was driving at speed in Rothwell on Wednesday afternoon.
The 14-year-old driver, from Waterford West, allegedly ran a red light, clipped another car and then hit a traffic light.
He was critically injured but is in a stable condition in hospital, however his 14-year-old passenger in the front seat, Jacob Hopkins, died at the scene.
A 13-year-old boy and three girls aged 10, 14 and 16 were also injured and taken to hospital. They are all in stable conditions.
The driver was charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlicensed driving and failing to stop for a red traffic light.
The 10-year-old female passenger of the crashed car, from Kallangur, was also charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
A mother and her four children were travelling in the car that was clipped and escaped without injury.
A friend of the crash victims spoke at the scene.
A friend of the victims, who spoke at the crash scene, was upset that they had allegedly stolen the station wagon earlier that day and was worried youth in the community were claiming to be part of a gang.
“You don’t have to pretend who you want to be in life,” she said.
“All I know is that everyone in that crash was a beautiful soul. They were part of my heart.
“They were my greatest friends.
“Out here, your family is hurting.
“You don’t understand how much pain they’re in, wondering where you’re going to be, what’s going to happen.”
Police alleged the silver Mazda 6 was stolen from a shopping centre a Kallangur, about 10 kilometres away, only hours before the incident.
Investigators want anyone with information or dashcam footage, who may have been driving between 2.35pm and 2.50pm in the vicinity of the Mango Hill Railway Station and Anzac Ave between Kinsellas Road, and the intersection of Anzac Avenue and Wattle Street, to contact police.
A number of Jacob’s friends posted tributes on Facebook.
Latika Lovell said he was the strongest person she knew.
“You always made me smile my friend,” she wrote.
“We love you mate and will never forget you ever.
“Fly high in the dreamtime forever, our memories are now stories.”
Gemma Lee Amarni said she was having trouble believing Jacob had died.
“Getting that phone call — all these feelings,” she said.
“You didn’t deserve this!!
“Always been that second family for you no matter what, we love you and only wanted the best for you.
“All that’s in my head is your cheeky … smile.”
Jacob’s school, Clontarf Beach State High School, said it was a distressing time for the community.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Jacob Hopkins and extend our sincere sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time,” principal Jo House said in a statement.
“As a community, we will rally together to ensure all members of the school community are cared for in the wake of this tragic event.”
Topics:
road,
qld,
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