RAAF corporal in grisly accident Foot cut off on runway

A ROYAL Australian Air Force corporal has had a foot severed and may lose the other leg following a horrific accident at the Townsville Airport.

Early investigations suggest the 56- year- old was working on an aircraft arrestor system, when a piece of machinery fell on his left leg, severing it at the ankle and partially severing his right at the knee.

Emergency services went to the scene about 10.40pm on Wednesday, rushing the injured corporal to Townsville Hospital, where he was in a stable condition last night.

Forensic Crash Unit acting Sergeant Gemma Williamson said they were assisting the RAAF in their investigation of the incident.

“They were conducting repair work on the runway, there was an aircraft arrestor system – it’s the cable that catches the jet – located on a flatbed truck,” Sgt Williamson said.

“They were unwinding the cable from the spool and when the cable has unwound, it has pulled the arrestor system off the back of the truck and injured the officer.

“It has hit him and I believe it has severed his left leg.”

Sgt Williamson said the crash unit would continue their investigations and assist the RAAF with their investigation.

“We conducted a preliminary investigation and then we will probably be handing the investigation over to Comcare, who are the Commonwealth workplace, health and safety investigators,” he said.

The Australian Defence Force released a statement yesterday saying they would be supporting the corporal’s family and would investigate the circumstances behind the incident.

“A Royal Australian Air Force member was injured while on duty at RAAF Base Townsville on the evening of Wednesday 16 August 2017,” the statement read.

“The Air Force member’s colleagues provided immediate first aid.

“The Queensland Police Service and Queensland Ambulance Service attended the site and the member was transported to hospital with serious, but non- life- threatening injuries.

“Air Force is providing support to the member, their family and colleagues.

“Defence will work with Comcare to investigate the incident.

“For privacy reasons, Defence will not release any further details relating to the member’s personal or service history.”