A backpacking trip has ended in tragedy for four South Korean women after they were killed in a horrific car crash in southern Queensland just weeks after they arrived in Australia.
Police believe they may not have been familiar with road rules and failed to give way at a Southern Downs intersection before being struck by a semi-trailer about 5.30pm on Wednesday.
Emergency crews were met with "confronting" scenes after the truck hit the car on the driver's side and dragged it along the New England Highway near Stanthorpe for about 150 metres.
The women - aged in their mid-20s - died at the scene.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey described the accident as "an absolutely tragic crash ... it couldn't have been worse".
Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon said the backpackers had been in Australia only "a few weeks" and been living and working at a nearby farm.
Authorities are talking to the South Korean consulate in order to inform the victims' families.
"It is an absolute tragedy," Mr Condon told reporters.
"It was raining but it would appear this was a simple fail to give way. It was quite a scene."
He believed the accident highlighted a need for international arrivals to fully understand road rules before they get behind the wheel.
"It reinforces the issues we have with backpackers not understanding our road rules," he said.
"We have a program where the Road Policing Unit works with the backpackers groups to reinforce the road rules.
"I want to get the message out there for all people to abide by the road rules, understand the road rules and be careful out there."
The distressed truck driver was taken to Stanthorpe Hospital with minor injuries.
"He is obviously in a state of shock. We are providing him the support we can," Mr Condon said.
"He is devastated by what has occurred and something he will live with for the rest of his life."
Members of the three paramedic crews who attended the "horrific incident" on Wednesday will also be provided support.
"These scenes do take their toll on first responders," Queensland Ambulance Service Superintendent Steve Johns said.
"To come across significant fatalities as they did would be quite confronting for them."
Mr Bailey said it was a "sober reminder" about road safety before the Easter long weekend.
"A lot of people are going to be travelling over the Easter period ... make sure you give yourself plenty of time, that your journey is relaxed, don't take risks when driving," he said.
"Make sure road safety is your No.1 priority in Easter so we all come home safe."
The New England Highway reopened after extensive delays as authorities assessed the damage on Wednesday night.
Forensic crews returned to the scene on Thursday.
Anyone with dashcam footage should contact police.
