IT is business as usual for Longreach tourism business Kinnon and Co after one of their horse-drawn stagecoaches crashed south of the town on Monday, injuring 14 people.
Operations assistant Simon Kuttner said the company had received lots of support and good wishes following the accident, in which the two lead horses became spooked by blowing rubbish on the Jundah Road, causing the coach to run off a causeway bridge and into a dry creek bed three metres below.
Co-owner of the tourist ride, Richard Kinnon, who was at the reins, and his assistant Kel, also up on top, were both airlifted to Rockhampton for treatment for fractures.
The 12 tourists involved were treated locally and taken to hospital as a precaution.
The four horses are all bruised and will be spelled.
Mr Kuttner said the local emergency services response had been wonderful and patrons had been supportive as well.
“We have two stagecoaches and the other one is still operating this week,” he said.
“So far no-one has cancelled as a result of this.
“Richard and Kel are both in good spirits and itching to get back to Longreach.”
Mr Kuttner said there would be an investigation as the result of the crash and they would wait to see the outcomes before further comment.
Sally Cripps
Journalist
Journalist
