Men charged over fatal crash after scrap thief pursuit

The Isuzu truck had allegedly been stolen from a nearby business and was being followed by up to six vehicles including a Ford Ranger before the crash, police said.

A 46-year-old Redcliffe man - believed to be the truck driver - has been charged with a string of offences including manslaughter.

He was taken to hospital after the crash with "potentially life-threatening" injuries in a critical condition.

A 42-year-old man from Narangba - believed to be the Ford Ranger driver - has also been charged with manslaughter along with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm.

The truck driver was allegedly involved in the theft of scrap metal, police said.

Multiple scrap metal dealers had contacted each other by phone and text message after the truck was spotted in their area.

"A number of those businesses have been the subject of property crime in the past few weeks," Detective Inspector David Harbison told reporters in February.

"That truck was circulating in that area and very quickly whispers got out that the truck was perhaps casing premises or was involved in property crime."

Asked if an innocent driver had died as the result of vigilante behaviour, Insp Harbison said: "You can't put a dollar figure on someone's life. In the scheme of things it's a very minor theft of some scrap."

Mr Roberts was killed as he drove home from work.

A fundraiser for Mr Roberts had raised almost $18,000 by Wednesday.

"Andre was a loving partner, son, and friend ... his loss has left us completely devastated," the GoFundMe organiser said.

"No family is ever prepared for something like this."

The 46-year-old Redcliffe man has also been charged with stealing, enter premises, receiving tainted property and unlawful use of a motor vehicle offences.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to face Caboolture Magistrates Court on May 12.

The 42-year-old Narangba man will face Caboolture Magistrates Court on April 13.