A 39-year-old man from the Gympie region was  fighting for his life after a vicious attack at the bus interchange outside Nambour train station on Sunday afternoon, June 23. 

The man, who was repeatedly stomped on, sustained severe head injuries and is in critical condition at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. A 33-year-old Maroochydore man also suffered injuries, including lost teeth.

The attacker, described as a man in his early 20s, about 175cm tall, with a proportionate build, wearing a dark hoodie and black cap, remains at large. Police have issued a public appeal for witnesses, especially those with mobile phone footage, to help identify him.

James William, 33, from Caloundra, told the Courier-Mail about his encounter with the attacker. William, an MMA fighter, was at the bus station with his pregnant partner when the assailant, “drug crazed and going ballistic,” began asking people about missing drugs. William intervened, only to be punched in the mouth, losing two teeth. “I got him to the ground and choked him out, then put him in the recovery position,” William said. However, the attacker revived and continued his rampage.

According to the Courier-Mail, the attacker targeted another man, possibly reacting to laughter. “He ran over and king hit him then stomped on his head. His head cracked like an egg on the concrete,” William said. The victim, a 39-year-old Gympie man, sustained significant head injuries and is in critical condition. The attacker fled by bus to Yandina, then escaped into the bush.

Senior Sergeant Craig Mansfield described the attack as “vicious” and “brutal,” noting the randomness and unprovoked nature of the assaults. “It was seemingly random attacks on these two victims and appears to have been unprovoked at this stage,” Mansfield said. 

Police believe the attacker was under the influence of substances and behaving erratically. They are working diligently to locate the suspect, who is considered dangerous. “There were no weapons involved; it was with his hands and kicks,” Mansfield said.

James William and his family have been deeply affected by the incident. “I’m not feeling good and haven’t been able to sleep,” William said. 

He has provided police with mobile phone footage, complementing limited CCTV footage available from the bus.

The latest assault appears to be another manifestation of ongoing drug-related issues that raise serious safety concerns for residents of Nambour. 

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2401065175