‘Lucky to be alive’: Group of schoolies narrowly escape tragedy in K’gari after tree branch pierces through car on offroad track

The incident took place on K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, off the Queensland coast last week where the girls had been visiting to kick off traditional end-of-school festivities.

While driving on a sandy track, enroute to a remote beach location, the vehicle encountered a huge bough which fell over on the passenger’s side and shattered the glass, before piercing its ways through the seat’s headrest and into the rear of the car.

Volunteers from Red Frogs Australia were the first to arrive at the scene and escorted the girls away from danger.

A Facebook user thanked the charity for its assistance in what was described as a “traumatic” ordeal for the youngsters.

“Biggest shout out to Red Frogs Australia for looking after our girls, on K’gari last week,” the post read.

“They were all so lucky to walk away with no one being injured, and very lucky the red frogs were on scene so quickly and helped them so much, getting them a room to stay, driving their car for them cleaning up all the glass and calming them all down in this traumatic experience.

“We are all extremely grateful that you were there, and I’m sure so many other schoolies can say the same, you truly make a difference and can’t honestly thank you enough.”

Sharing harrowing photos from the scene, Noosa-based Madill Motor Group also wrote on Facebook the schoolies were “lucky to be alive” after the incident.

“Thank you to the Red Frogs team for being out there. We’re so glad no one was hurt in this incredible scene. A great reminder to always be aware of your surroundings as freak accidents like this can happen to anyone,” they wrote.

Destinations like K’gari have become popular alternatives for schoolies outside of the regular beachside hotspots of Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Sunshine Coast, among others.

Authorities have warned, however, that with the spike in preference for more rustic locations, it was incumbent on visitors to familiarise themselves with the uncertainties of countryside terrains and be better equipped to face unanticipated motor emergencies.

“Some of those users or the drivers of the vehicles don’t necessarily have experience driving on sand. There’s a lot of considerations to make, air in your tyres is a fairly basic one and just taking it easy,” Maryborough Patrol Group officer Shelley Moore told the ABC.

“Drive to those conditions and be self-aware of your own capabilities.”

“Particularly on K’gari, when you get into some areas, mobile reception can be very difficult at times so you don’t have the accessibility that you would to our emergency services.”