Karlie Brady

Journalist

UPDATE (Tuesday):

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a traffic crash that occurred on the Captain Cook Highway on Monday afternoon involving a white Toyota passenger van and a silver Toyota sedan.

The crash occurred around 5:00pm about 10km north of Ellis Beach and resulted in an almost five-hour closure of the highway.

Initial investigations indicate the sedan was travelling north when it collided head on with the van on the slippery road. The collision resulted in extensive damage to both vehicles and injuries to both drivers.

The driver of the sedan and a passenger of the van were transported to the Cairns Hospital.

A Cairns Hospital spokesperson confirmed the 25-year-old female and 24-year-old male have since been discharged from hospital following the crash.

The van driver and seven remaining passengers were treated for minor injuries at the scene.

EARLIER: (9:45pm)

The Captain Cook Highway has reopened after both vehicles were removed from the scene.

EARLIER: (8:30pm)

The Captain Cook Highway is still closed in both directions following a two-vehicle crash at 5:00pm, near Ellis Beach.

Queensland Police have advised the road will remain closed for another one to two hours while Forensic Crash Investigators inspect the site and the scene is cleared. 

"Two vehicles and a trailer are currently blocking the highway approximately 5-10km north of Ellis Beach. Both lanes of traffic are completely blocked due to the position of the vehicles," a police spokesperson said.

"Forensic Crash Investigators are on scene and towing vehicles are making their way to the site. It's expected the highway will remain closed for the next one - two hours. Motorists are urged to avoid travel at this time."

EARLIER: (6:30pm)

Ten patients with minor injuries are being assessed at the scene of a crash north of Ellis Beach.

One patient has been transported to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition. The remaining patients will be transported shortly all in stable conditions.

EARLIER (5:30pm)

Paramedics are assessing multiple patients, all in stable conditions with minor injuries at the scene of a bus and vehicle crash on the Captain Cook Highway at 5pm.

EARLIER (5:15pm)

Paramedics, including a Critical Care Paramedic, are on route to a multi-vehicle crash on the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas.

Both lanes of the highway are currently blocked approximately five kilometres north of Ellis Beach.

A QAS spokesperson said emergency services were called around 5:00pm. 

“We’re responding to reports of a multi-vehicle crash reportedly involving a bus,” the spokesperson said.

Motorists should expect delays and avoid the area if possible.