Police have launched an investigation into a horror crash that has claimed the life of a young girl north-west of Brisbane.

The 16-year-old is understood to have been driving alone on a rural road at Coolabunia in the South Burnett region when she lost control and struck a tree.

Despite desperate efforts by first responders, the girl could not be saved and died at the scene.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

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