Tag: Road safety

Concerns Raised Over Road Safety After Child Hit Outside Stafford Heights Baptist Church

A young girl was struck by a car outside Stafford Heights Baptist Church while crossing the road with her family, leaving the tight-knit community shaken. The 11-year-old suffered facial injuries in the incident, which took place on Appleby Road in Stafford Heights as the family was heading to their Sunday service.

Read: Kedron Fire Declared Crime Scene as Police Confirm Arson

Incident Details and Emergency Response

The accident occurred at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, 9 February, when the girl’s hand slipped from her father’s grip just before she was hit by a slow-moving vehicle. Her father, T Sui Dun, said the family was going to the church when the incident happened. Witnesses immediately called for an ambulance, and paramedics treated the child for scars and grazes on her right jaw before transporting her to Queensland Children’s Hospital in stable condition.

QAS brings girl to hospital after she was struck by a car at the Stafford Heights Baptist Church
For illustration purposes only
Photo Credit: QAS

According to witnesses, the vehicle’s driver remained at the scene briefly but left before emergency services arrived, leaving a contact number with bystanders. Queensland Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

The accident occurred in front of fellow churchgoers, including Pastor Cungbik Kingbawl—also known as KB—who said the congregation was rallying around the family. The church serves Chin people from Myanmar and a Sudanese congregation and has been a long-standing support system for refugee and migrant families in the area. Pastor Kingbawl emphasised that the church community offers prayers and assistance to the affected family during their recovery.

A Close-Knit Multicultural Community

Stafford Heights Baptist Church has served diverse communities since 2006, when it welcomed new families, including refugees, into its congregation. The accident has reinforced the church’s role as a pillar of support for the Chin and Sudanese communities in Brisbane’s north, with members coming together to check in on the family’s well-being.

Read: The Stafford Ambush: The Crime Scene That Changed Queensland’s Forensics Forever

As the investigation continues, residents express concerns about road safety near the church, particularly for families crossing Appleby Road on their way to Sunday services. Community members have suggested reviewing pedestrian safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Published 12-February-2025

Stark Reminder of Road Safety: Police Arrest Man for Reckless Riding & Drug Influence in Stafford

Photo Credit QPS/Facebook

A recent incident in Stafford served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless behaviour on the roads as Queensland Road Safety Week concluded.

Read: Community Outcry Over Brisbane Racing Club’s Plans for Former Stafford Bowls Club Site

On the evening of Thursday, 24 Aug 2023, at approximately 4:40 pm, the police were alarmed by the sight of an unregistered motorbike being ridden at high speeds along Webster Road in Stafford. The rider was conspicuously not wearing a helmet, raising immediate concerns about his safety and the potential danger posed to others on the road.

Responding swiftly, the police initiated patrols to locate the individual. Ultimately, the man was spotted standing alongside the motorbike on Heilbromm Street in Stafford Heights. Subsequent investigations conducted by the authorities unveiled a series of alarming revelations about the rider’s behaviour.

In a disturbing turn of events, it was discovered that the motorbike operator was not only unlicensed but also allegedly under the influence of drugs. These findings led to the apprehension and arrest of a 19-year-old Chermside man, who now faces a litany of charges.

The man was booked for driving under the influence of liquor or a drug, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, driving without a license, failing to wear a motorbike helmet, and possessing tainted property. The accused is slated to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 27 Sept 2023. 

Authorities emphasize that the ramifications of the rider’s thoughtless decisions could have been far graver. Motorcycle riders represent one of the most vulnerable groups of road users, and statistics from Queensland highlight a concerning trend of increasing motorcycle fatalities. 

Due to the inherent lack of protection offered by motorcycles compared to other vehicles, riders are at an elevated risk of severe injury or worse in the event of a collision.

Law enforcement agencies and safety advocates stress the importance of motorists remaining acutely cautious and vigilant regarding motorcycle riders. This involves actively scanning for riders, checking blind spots, using indicators when changing lanes or making turns, adhering to road rules, and exercising additional prudence during adverse weather conditions.

Read: ​​New Bridge From Leyton St to Wolverhampton St Takes Center Stage Over Kedron Brook in Stafford

For those who might have pertinent information related to this incident or any other criminal activities, authorities urge them to reach out to Policelink. Information can be submitted through the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. They can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit information online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 30-Aug-2023