Recent Nasty Incidents at Emerald Airport - Train and Ute Colliding and Public Shame for a Disabled Passenger

From:  CQ News

Traveller Jonette Keys has seen the world, and with that, countless international airports.  She has also lived life to the fullest, despite having a prosthetic leg for more than 50 years.  But it was not until she went through the Emerald Airport security gates that Mrs Keys, 74, had ever been publicly humiliated.

On presenting to security staff recently, Mrs Keys was made to detach her prosthetic left leg, place it on the conveyor belt and wait for it to be screened. "It was just humiliating…  and it has never happened so publicly" said Mrs Keys. 

Mrs Keys said she was usually taken to a private room by security where her leg was screened and, while she understood the screening was new to Emerald, described the actions dealt to her as "overzealousness".  Her nephew Paul Keys raised the issue with the airport's operator, the Central Highlands Council, which swiftly launched an investigation. Mayor Peter Maguire said the council was made aware of the situation and had sought a report.

"We requested a report which we have been supplied by the security company," Cr Maguire said.  "As the airport operator, council has a responsibility to make sure no one is shying away from that."

Mrs Keys, who lost her leg when she was 20 years old after an accident involving a drink-driver on a motorbike, said she hoped by telling her story people would become aware of the situation.  "I've never had to take it off in public before…  it is definitely the worst treatment I have had" She said.

Meanwhile, A 25-year-old driver had a miraculous escape early on Wednesday 26 September, after being cut from a dual cab utility that collided with a 98-carriage unloaded coal train at the Emerald Airport level crossing.  

Police said the train driver sounded the horn twice but had no chance of stopping in time before smashing into the utility.  Emerald acting officer-in-charge Sergeant Craig Trethewey said the male driver of the ute had "dodged a bullet".  "The roll bar in the car is probably what has saved his life," Sgt Trethewey said.

The airport entry was blocked until 1.30pm.