Media Release

Morning round up

Fatal industrial accident, Yuleba (near Roma): A 64-year-old man was killed yesterday at a work site on Crossroads Road. Initial investigations suggest around 3.30pm the private contractor exited his prime mover to open a gate at the site when the vehicle rolled on him. He suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Workplace Health and Safety will investigate the incident and police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Robbery with violence, Sunnybank: Three men have been charged after allegedly attacking an 18-year-old man at Sunnybank yesterday afternoon. It’s alleged three men approached the victim as he alighted from a train at Altandi Railway Station carrying a surfboard, and began punching and kicking him. The man fled to Mains Road where he was again assaulted. A number of people came to the assistance of the man before the offenders fled with the man’s surfboard and his mobile telephone. The victim sustained concussion, cuts and bruises to various parts of his body. Police have charged three men aged 17, 18 and 23, who will all appear in the Brisbane Magistrates (Roma Street) Court on Monday, November 9.

Serious assault on a police officer, Mission Beach: A police officer conducting a patrol of a licensed venue on Porter Promenade was assaulted by a 30-year-old man last night just before 8. The officer allegedly attempted to speak with the 30-year-old who was going to be charged for public nuisance before the 30-year-old punched the officer in the head numerous times. The officer managed to place a handcuff on the wrist of the man and as he was attempting to complete the handcuffing, a woman jumped on the back of the officer causing him to lose balance. It’s further alleged the 30-year-old man the proceeded to kick the officer in the head 4-5 times before another man restrained the 30-year-old. The officer suffered bruising to his head and face, and cuts to his arms. He was treated at Tully Hospital. The 30-year-old from Mission Beach has been charged with commit public nuisance, obstruct a police officer and serious assault. He is due to appear in the Innisfail Magistrates Court on Monday, November 9.

EPIRB activation, Palm Island: Two men swam to safety after a large wave swamped their 4.3 metre aluminum dinghy after a day of fishing near Small Butler Bay, Palm Island yesterday afternoon. Around 4.30pm the men were thrown overboard before their dinghy started taking water and sinking. In a lucky escape, one of the men was able to retrieve the EPIRB floating in the water near him and activate it. A short time later the men reached the shore of Small Butler Bay where police were patrolling. The vessel was pushed by wave action onto rocks at Miranda Point where it is wedged. Retrieval of the vessel will be attempted today.