Hefty fine for Qld buggy crash

A golf buggy taxi service has copped a $220,000 fine after eight guests and a worker were badly injured in a crash on Queensland's Hamilton Island.





Workplace safety investigators found poor maintenance and overloading caused the Valet Services Pty Ltd buggy's brakes to fail on a steep hill.

It sent the six-seat buggy, its valet trailer, driver and the guests, including three children, hurtling into a concrete barrier and another parked buggy, where it tipped, injuring all on board.

Two passengers, including a child, suffered bleeding on the brain.

Magistrate Simon Young said CCTV footage of the incident was confronting, and the victim impact statements distressing.

He said the company had supplied its workers with unsafe equipment and had a poor maintenance and inspection schedule.

The risks were foreseeable and identifiable, he found on Thursday as he imposed the fine.


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Source: AAP


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