November 28, 2014
RACQ CareFlight Rescue is counting the costs of yesterday’s storm that left a trail of destruction across parts of south-east Queensland.
The group says the storm caused damage estimated at close to half a million dollars at its Archerfield bases, including damage to two helicopters.
“The storm arrived so quickly that one of the helicopters, along with its crew, was caught outside during the intense storm,” CareFlight CEO Ashley van de Velde said.
“The other helicopter was inside the hanger but has water damage after the hangar doors were torn off by the winds.
“We are just thankful that no one was hurt.”
Two $25,000 tail rotors have been destroyed and at least one of the main rotors, valued at $100,000 will need to be replaced.
A tail boom is also damaged and repair costs for water flooding the second helicopter is estimated at $50,000.
“We will now have to find the money to replace this equipment and that won’t be easy,” Mr van de Velde said.
“CareFlight will be looking for whatever community support it can.”
RACQ CareFlight remains operational despite the Archerfield destruction.
“Our other four bases at Toowoomba, Bundaberg and on the Gold and Sunshine coasts are still going about their day to day work of treating and transferring people in their greatest time of need,” Mr van de Velde said
