Motorcycle rider critical after Townsville garbage truck crash

A 40-year-old motorcyclist from Mount St John died following a crash with a Townsville City Council garbage truck in early hours of the morning. The collision occurred on Webb Drive in the Mount St John suburb, where the truck had just departed from a council depot. Queensland Police, through the Forensic Crash Unit, is currently investigating the fatal accident.

The incident was reported to emergency services at 5:51am. Queensland Ambulance Service initially stated the victim sustained critical injuries, which were later confirmed by Queensland Police to be fatal. Acting Senior Sergeant Simon Walsh of Townsville District Duty Office confirmed the rider's death, stating that the investigation is ongoing.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto acknowledged the truck had recently left the depot, adding that rubbish collection for the day would not take place. No pedestrians were injured in this incident. Police have appealed for any dash-cam footage related to the crash. This accident follows another fatal collision in July 2025, where an 85-year-old woman was killed by a council garbage truck in Bushland Beach.