A woman killed in a head-on crash involving an allegedly stolen vehicle while driving to work has been identified as a nurse at a local aged care home.

Carron Scott, 60, was driving an orange Toyota Corolla on the D’Aguilar Hwy at Woodford, north of Brisbane, about 6.10am on Tuesday when it was struck head-on by a white Isuzu D-Max utility.

She was on her way to work at Woodford Manor Aged Care when she suffered critical injuries and died at the scene.

Police allege the ute had been stolen from an address on McLoughlin Rd in Morayfield about 3.45am.

Detective Inspector Lisa Elkins said the two vehicles collided head-on, with the driver of the ute fleeing the scene.

“There were two vehicles involved, one was a stolen utility, driven by a 31-year-old man who had decamped the scene and the smaller vehicle involved was a small Toyota Corolla and it was driven by a 60-year-old female who unfortunately, tragically died at the scene,” she said.

“Very tragic circumstances, to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Police launched a search for the man, placing a nearby school and daycare centre into lockdown as officers combed the area.

“Police locked down the area and searched for the male and he was later located about two hours later in a nearby school where he was arrested,” Det Insp Elkins said.

The 31-year-old man was taken into custody in a school toilet block.

He remains in hospital with minor injuries under police guard. No charges have been laid at this stage.

Manor Aged Care said Scott’s loss is deeply felt among the community. In a statement, the service said the beloved nurse would be “greatly missed by colleagues, residents, and families”.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all who knew her.”

Floral tributes have been laid for Scott at the crash site.

The highway was closed in both directions for several hours as investigators examined the scene.

The Caboolture Criminal Investigation Branch continues to investigate and has asked anyone with information or relevant dashcam vision to come forward.