Ransome Tragedy: Father and Son Killed in Intersection Crash

A tragic car crash in Ransome has claimed the lives of a local father and his four-year-old son after their vehicle collided with another car at a busy intersection.



The devastating accident has left the community in shock after Chris Vrbesic, 37, and his four-year-old son lost their lives in a two-car collision. The crash occurred just before 9 a.m. on Sunday, 26 January 2025, at the intersection of Rickertt Rd and Chelsea Rd, an area where local residents have previously raised concerns about traffic safety.

Mr Vrbesic, a father of three from Manly West, was behind the wheel of his limited-edition Holden Commodore VK Brock sedan when the collision happened. His young son was a passenger in the vehicle.

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Breaking Down the Collision: Facts and Figures

Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, where Mr Vrbesic was pronounced dead. His son was transported to Queensland Children’s Hospital in a critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

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The red Mitsubishi Lancer involved in the crash was driven by a 29-year-old man from Birkdale. He sustained minor injuries. Authorities have not released further details about his condition.

Police reports suggest the vehicles T-boned at the intersection, and the Forensic Crash Unit is investigating whether speed was a contributing factor.

Heartbreak in Ransome: Community Responses

The local and automotive communities have been left devastated by the loss. Mr Vrbesic, a well-known car enthusiast and project manager at Innate Developments, was a familiar face at Joe’s Diner, a popular meeting spot for car and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Tributes have poured in online, with friends describing Mr Vrbesic as a “family man with a big heart” who was always willing to lend a hand. The Seven of Clubs Mazda Car Club of Queensland, where he was a longstanding member, shared their condolences, stating he would be “dearly missed by all.”

Looking Ahead: Safety Measures and Memorials

The Forensic Crash Unit continues to investigate the incident and has urged witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward. Authorities will be assessing whether further safety measures are needed at the intersection to prevent future tragedies.



Meanwhile, the Ransome community has begun laying floral tributes at the crash site in memory of Mr Vrbesic and his son, reflecting on the profound loss of a father and child taken too soon.

Published 27-Jan-2025