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An eight-year-old boy has been killed in a horror e-bike crash after colliding head-on with a teenager on his way home from school in Queensland, Australia. Zeke Hondow was riding along a bike path when the tragic accident happened at an interchange on Thursday at around 3.36pm. The Year 3 student was rushed to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition but later died from his injuries. The other rider, a 15-year-old boy, refused treatment and is assisting police with their investigation. Inspector Jason Overland said both boys were wearing helmets at the time of the crash. A GoFundMe page has since been launched for Zeke, described as a much-loved son and cousin who “lost his life in a tragic accident”. “My cousin’s little 8-year-old son has tragically grown his angel wings,” a relative wrote, calling it “one of the toughest times” for the family. Tributes have poured in across the community as police seized both e-bikes to help determine how the collision occurred. Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the tragedy underscored the urgent need for stronger e-bike safety measures. “My thoughts are with the family and the friends … I’ve got an eight-year-old son myself,” he said. “I can only imagine what they’re going through right now. “We’ve seen rapid evolution of this technology very quickly, but I think it’s fair to say that governments at all levels need to do more to tackle this.” Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the state government was already moving to tighten regulations. “That is exactly why there is a parliamentary inquiry into e-bikes in this state,” she said. “Right now, my heart goes out to that family. This is an absolute tragedy.” Police investigations into the fatal crash are continuing. The incident follows another fatal collision involving an e-bike in the UK. James Blackwood, a 91-year-old veteran and retired Royal Engineer, was struck and killed by an e-bike rider while taking out his bins in Rochester, Kent, in July 2023. The great-grandfather of seven suffered severe internal injuries and died in hospital on October 13. Maidstone Magistrates’ Court heard that the crash occurred around 7.20am when 50-year-old cyclist Clifford Cage hit Blackwood as he rode along a pavement. Cage had initially denied manslaughter but changed his plea on Tuesday, admitting to both manslaughter and causing bodily harm by wanton or furious driving. Blackwood’s family said they were “relieved” after the cyclist admitted responsibility for his death.
