Long-time local Sidney Marstella, 53, has been identified as one of the three people killed in a fiery truck crash at Queensland’s Maryborough West late Friday.
On Sunday, the Maryborough man was on Sunday remembered by loved ones as funny and well-liked.
Five vehicles were involved in the crash at the intersection of Bruce Hwy and Walker St — two semi-trailers, a car, a dual cab ute, and a caravan trailer.
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Police believe Marstella was driving an SUV and failed to give way while turning onto the highway, causing the initial impact.
“He crashed head-on with a semi-trailer heading south. The truck then veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with a second truck (heading north),” Queensland Police acting superintendent Paul Algie said on Saturday.
The second truck was carrying lithium batteries which, upon impact, caused the vehicles to “instantaneously” burst into flames. This has led to issues in identifying the other two people killed in the incident, police confirmed.
“There could be more than three people dead, it is too early to say,” Algie said.
Three survivors were also hospitalised with minor injuries.
Residents of the regional Queensland town, about 250km north of Brisbane, remain in a state of shock — offering condolences for Marstella’s family.
“Cannot believe you’re gone,” one friend wrote on Facebook.
“Condolences to all families involved,” another wrote, calling Marstella a “long-time local.”
He was remembered by family as a funny, kind and helpful friend.
“Sid was a comedian, he was known to make everyone laugh,” the Courier Mail reported Marstella’s niece Leticia Wise as saying.
“He was very well known in Maryborough. Those who knew Sid Marstella know he was a big, kind, loving, helpful friend.
“This hurts so much. Cannot believe I’ll never see or hear from you again.”
