Taxi operator tells Victorian court wheelchair passenger deaths 'tragic'

The County Court of Victoria heard deeply moving testimony regarding the tragic loss of two wheelchair passengers, Christine Looney and John Phyland, who died in separate incidents involving Echuca Moama Taxi Group (EMTG) services in 2021. Gerard Devlin, a director of EMTG, reflected on these events, calling them "tragic" and expressing his personal connection to Ms. Looney, whom he had transported on numerous occasions. The court heard that both incidents involved wheelchairs tipping backward during routine drives, a failure in safety protocols that had devastating consequences.

EMTG has since pleaded guilty to breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act, admitting it failed to adequately ensure the safety of persons not employed by the company. Specifically, the company acknowledged the risk of serious injury or death if wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems were not properly secured. Investigations by WorkSafe Victoria following these incidents revealed that Ms. Looney was incorrectly secured prior to her fatal accident. The company's admission highlights a critical lapse in its operational procedures, particularly concerning the training and competency assessment of its drivers in securing passengers with mobility aids.

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I knew [Ms Looney] … very well. ... It's just tragic.

Defence counsel emphasized EMTG's otherwise strong track record over 33 years of operation, noting that these were the only two fatalities in its history. This point, while factually presented, does little to diminish the gravity of the two incidents occurring within a short, five-to-six-month period. The company's guilty plea underscores a systemic failure, despite its long service to the local community. The case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities held by transport providers, especially when serving vulnerable passengers who rely entirely on the safety and integrity of the services provided.

From an Australian perspective, particularly in Victoria, this case brings to the forefront the critical importance of accessible and safe transport for individuals with disabilities. The legal proceedings and the company's admissions highlight the need for rigorous safety standards, ongoing training, and robust oversight in the taxi and hire car industry. While the article focuses on the legal and factual aspects, the underlying narrative is one of preventable tragedy and the profound impact on the victims' families and the community. The emphasis on "tragic" events underscores the emotional weight of the situation, resonating with a public that values safety and compassion in public services.

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[The company] provides a critical service to that local community. ... That makes it even more remarkable that in this five-to-six-month period, these two very serious accidents happened in its taxis.