The safety measures in place at some of the country’s remote but magnificent beauty spots may be called into question once again following a serious accident at a Queensland waterfall.
A tourist remains in critical but stable condition in Townsville Hospital after falling 15 metres down Isabella Falls at Edmonton. According to the Cairns Post, the man may have suffered a head injury, along with a fractured femur, as well as possible chest and abdominal injuries.
There have been a number of high-profile accidents in Australia’s national parks in recent years, including bushwalkers going missing and grey nomads suffering falls. Every incident seems to spark renewed calls for greater safety measure to be introduced. Suggestions include improved signage and the erection of more fencing.
Graeme Hughes, who lives near Isabella Falls, told the Cairns Post that he had seen three similar incidents during the 17 years he been in the area. However, he said further safety measures were not necessary to prevent further accidents.
“Look and don’t climb,” he said.
The 27-year-old injured in the latest accident is believed to have slipped and fallen at the falls. He was reportedly part of a film crew.
Emergency workers performed a vertical rescue through dense foliage to reach the man, who was carried out of the area after an initial attempt to winch him out via a helicopter failed. The Post says the helicopter was again called in when rescuers reached flat ground and the man was flown to Townsville Hospital.
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