CAIRNS, Australia – Two people are currently receiving treatment at Cairns Base Hospital after a small plane crashed on a remote island in the Great Barrier Reef, causing minor injuries.
The Queensland Ambulance Service Acting Assistant Commissioner, Brina Keating, reported that the incident occurred early in the morning when a plane departing from Lizard Island’s runway collided with trees and overturned. Of the ten people on board, including nine adults and one 14-year-old girl, one adult suffered a minor head injury, while another sustained a minor arm injury.
Fortunately, all passengers managed to safely exit the aircraft on their own, despite the crash. Keating commended their resilience, stating, “To walk away from something like that is incredible.”
Following the crash, two rescue helicopters and a Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft were dispatched to the island, located about 250 kilometers north of Cairns. Despite the challenging island terrain, medical teams were able to reach the scene promptly to provide assistance.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, as accessing the island for examination proves to be difficult. Despite this, the Cairns Hospital and Health Service confirmed that all ten patients are in stable condition.
The two individuals being treated for minor injuries are fortunate to have survived the crash, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to the incident. The quick response from emergency services likely played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and stability of the crash victims.