Impact with truck ends ambos’ dash
TOWNSVILLE horse owners, trainers and jockeys will have even more reasons to win after the local racing industry received an increase in prizemoney.
Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe ( pictured) was in Townsville yesterday to announce the local industry would gain more than $ 480,000 in extra annual stakes.
“This is part of an overall $ 12 million boost to prizemoney for Queensland racing, which is about building confidence and supporting the industry from the grassroots up,” he said.
Mr Hinchliffe said the local racing industry was an important contributor to jobs and the economy in North Queensland.
“Racing in Townsville generates an annual economic impact of $ 31.8 million and employs 259 people,” he said.
“That’s why this extra prizemoney, along with the new and improved racing infrastructure we’re delivering throughout North Queensland, is so important.” TWO paramedics had to be taken to hospital after a truck crashed into their ambulance.
The ambulance was travelling under flashing lights on the way to an emergency when it collided with a truck at the intersection of Hugh and Woolcock streets, Currajong, about 11am yesterday.
It is understood the ambulance was travelling through the red light at a slow speed after halting to allow motorists to know it was passing, but the truck was unable to stop in time due to the weight of the load.
“It was actually a very high- impact event and our crews were very lucky to walk away,” Townsville Ambulance senior operations supervisor Tony Kirkham said.
“The crew were under urgent duty driving conditions and they were using their lights and sirens.”
A female paramedic was seen being treated for an arm injury before she and her male colleague were taken to hospital for observation.
The ambulance was not carrying any patients.
The driver of the truck was uninjured.
The crash caused a temporary strain on ambulance resources with one vehicle smashed, a second sent to the initial call- out and additional services responding to the crash.
However, Townsville Local Am- bulance Service Network assistant commissioner Robbie Medlin said service to the community was maintained.
Mr Medlin said he was relieved to say both paramedics were doing well, with a wrist issue for a female officer the worst of the injuries.
“This certainly could have been a lot worse,” he said.
“We are very relieved at the outcome given the potential that was there.
“We remind people to be ever alert and aware at intersections and when around emergency service vehicles.”
Police attended the scene and will conduct an investigation into the incident.