Latest news with #QAS


International Business Times
07-07-2025
- International Business Times
Woman Loses Arm After Being Attacked by Lion at Queensland Zoo
A woman has sustained severe injuries to an arm when she was attacked by a lion at an Australian zoo. The Darling Downs Zoo in Queensland said the 50-year-old woman was watching animal keepers working in the zoo's carnivore precinct before opening hours Sunday morning when she was attacked. The Woman is Now in Stable Condition She was flown by helicopter from the rural town of Pilton to the state capital Brisbane where she underwent surgery. Her condition was stable, the zoo said in a statement Sunday. Several news media reported the woman lost the injured arm. The zoo said staff were working with government workplace safety investigators to determine how the incident happened. The state government confirmed an investigation was underway. "Inexplicably, at this stage, one animal grabbed her by one arm and caused severe damage to it," the zoo statement said. "At no stage did this animal leave its enclosure and there was no risk at all to staff members or members of the public." Woman was Known to Zoo Staff, Had Worked with the Lion for More than Two Decades The woman had worked with the animal for more than 20 years and was known to zoo staff. The zoo said in a social media post on Sunday that the woman - described as a "much-loved member of our family" - had been observing keepers working when the incident occurred. "This is something that she has done many, many times over the past 20 years, " the zoo noted in its statement. "She is well-versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals. "Police and Workplace Health and Safety personnel are investigating this incident and have been onsite all morning. The zoo is working with them to establish how this incident occurred but the full details will not be known until (the woman) can be interviewed," the statement continued. "We are extremely grateful to the QAS, QPS and LifeFlight for their prompt attendance and to all of the people and organisations who have rallied round us with messages of support." The zoo was closed on Sunday and is due to re-open on Tuesday. Another follow-up post indicated the woman was not a keeper or an immediate family member of the owners, and also asserted the animal "will definitely not be put down or punished in any way." Zoo Recently Promoted Supervised Encounters with Its Lionesses Recently, the zoo promoted supervised encounters with its lionesses on social media. "Each day at 10am they are on supervised display to our visitors and are also available for some personalised encounters," the zoo shared. "These encounters are strictly monitored to ensure their enjoyment of them and their wellbeing. "Every cent of the money that they raise goes into a fund to build an expanded multi pride lion complex to cater for the needs of our enlarged lion family."


The Guardian
25-04-2025
- Climate
- The Guardian
Two people hospitalised and Anzac Day services cancelled after wild weather hits south-east Queensland
Wild weather in Queensland has seen two people hospitalised after lightning struck their homes, while some Anzac Day services have been cancelled due to rain. A spokesperson for the Queensland ambulance service said paramedics had been called early on Friday morning to two incidents north of Brisbane. 'Both patients were reportedly inside when the lightning struck their [houses],' the spokesperson said. The first incident saw a woman in her 30s taken to Nambour hospital at about 12.43am, suffering neck pain following a lightning strike to a private property on Yandina Bli Bli Road in Yandina, the QAS spokesperson said. The ambulance service was later called to a second incident at 2.54am. Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter Paramedics transported a teenager to Caboolture hospital with minor burns after lightning struck a home on Coutts Drive in Burpengary. She was in a stable condition. Parts of south-east Queensland were inundated with up to 60mm of rain overnight, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Brisbane CBD received 28.4mm, with 34.0 at the airport. Minor flood warnings were issued for the Mary, Maroochy and upper Brisbane rivers. Anzac Day services were reportedly cancelled in Beachmere, Broadwater and Deception Bay as a result of the poor weather. Senior meteorologist Shane Kennedy said enhanced onshore winds and an upper trough coming from inland had driven showers across the coast. The weather system had already eased on Friday afternoon and was expected to come to an end over the weekend, he said. 'The real peak period was overnight and both of those drivers are weakening now so there's some showers becoming lighter and patchier,' he said. Sign up to Afternoon Update: Election 2025 Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key election campaign stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion 'The worst has passed.' Rainfall totals at Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast ranged between 40 and 100mm, with parts of the Sunshine Coast receiving 102-240mm, he said. Kennedy said the region was also struck by a few slow-moving thunderstorms overnight, with about 2,500 lightning strikes or so to 9am Friday. The storms were not particularly widespread, he said. There was also minor flooding in Brisbane and Gympie. It has been an unusually wet and wild year so far for south-east Queensland, with many parts of the region registering rainfall well above the average for the wet season, he said. Brisbane was struck by its first cyclone in decades in March.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
Child murderer found dead in jail
A man convicted of killing a foster child in his care has reportedly been found dead in his jail cell. Rick Thorburn murdered 12-year-old schoolgirl Tiahleigh Palmer in 2015 and was sentenced to life in prison. Thorburn was found dead in his cell in regional Queensland on Friday, and is understood to have taken his own life. A Queensland Corrective Services spokeswoman confirmed the death of Thorburn, as reported by The Courier Mail. 'The 64-year-old man was accommodated in a single cell and was found unresponsive at approximately 10pm,' a spokeswoman said. 'Responding officers called QAS and attempted to revive the man however their efforts were unsuccessful. 'The incident has been reported to police and QCS will assist with their investigation.' Tiahleigh was reported missing in October 2015, from the home of Thorburn, his wife Julene and their two sons south of Brisbane. Julene ran a home childcare business from the house. Tiahleigh's body was found six days later on a river bank. Her older foster brother, Trent Thorburn, had sexually abused her. Trent later pleaded guilty to incest, perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice; an attempt to cover up the sexual abuse sparked Rick to kill Tiahleigh. A Coroner investigating Rick's actions after he had pleaded guilty to murder said Tiahleigh was resilient despite a tough start in life. 'She loved hip hop dancing, cheer leading, animals and horse riding. She was described as a 'delightful girl' and 'a child people fell in love with' by those who knew her,' Coroner Jane Bentley found. 'Despite being subjected to neglect, abuse, abandonment and adversity, Tiahleigh remained a kind and gentle girl. She had many friends at high school. 'She was not 'streetwise' but immature and naive for her age. Although in the past she had experienced some behavioural issues as a result of the harm that she had suffered, she had not been involved in the justice system and had no history of self-harm, drug or alcohol use.' More to come Lifeline 13 11 14 Suicide call back service 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 13YARN 13 92 76 (For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)


Gulf Insider
20-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Hamad Airport Tests Autonomous Transport in a Regional First
Equipped with advanced technologies such as GPS, AI-driven systems, and various intelligent sensors and lidars, these vehicles are designed to enhance operational safety and efficiency Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), in collaboration with MATAR, and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) – a member of Qatar Foundation – launched an initiative to trial the latest autonomous transportation solutions at Hamad International Airport. The trial run within the airport's airside operations marks a first for the region. The proof-of-concept trials, which started its initial autonomous staff bus trials testing from Sunday, February 16, will integrate cutting-edge autonomous vehicles, including an autonomous bus and an autonomous baggage tractor, the airport said. Equipped with advanced technologies such as GPS, AI-driven systems, and various intelligent sensors and lidars, these vehicles are designed to enhance operational safety and efficiency. Their capabilities include 24/7 operations under diverse weather conditions, real-time monitoring, and automated charging systems. Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said the airport is proud to lead the way by trialling autonomous vehicles. 'We are excited to lead the way into a future where technology and mobility seamlessly converge and look forward to a successful outcome through collaboration with our key stakeholders,' he said. Murat Nursel, Senior Vice President at QAS, said the agency has an ambitious vision for the years ahead – one that demands a company-wide commitment to execution and innovation. 'The testing of autonomous vehicles, in collaboration with MATAR and Qatar Science & Technology Park, underscores our dedication to supporting our nation's vision, while enhancing operational efficiency,' he said. Dr Jack Lau, President of QSTP, said the collaboration demonstrates not only the company's commitment to advancing technology, but also to driving the digital transformation of one of the world's most complex and high-risk sectors – aviation. 'The Level 4 autonomous vehicle solutions being trialled at Hamad International Airport are developed within QSTP to shape the future of smart mobility. As we push the boundaries of technological excellence, initiatives like this align seamlessly with Qatar National Vision 2030, reinforcing our collective role in fostering a sustainable, tech-driven economy,' he said. Hamad International Airport said the successful implementation of this proof-of-concept project will lay the foundation for expanding the autonomous fleet. Also read: Qatar Airways Employee Arrested for Carrying Bullets At Lahore Airport


Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Autonomous vehicle trials begin at Doha airport
Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), in collaboration with Matar, and Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), has launched trial of autonomous transportation solutions at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha within its airside operations, marking a first for the region. The proof-of-concept trials, which started its initial autonomous staff bus trials testing from Sunday, February 16, will integrate cutting-edge autonomous vehicles, including an autonomous bus and an autonomous baggage tractor. Equipped with advanced technologies such as GPS, AI-driven systems, and various intelligent sensors and lidars, these vehicles are designed to enhance operational safety and efficiency. Their capabilities include 24/7 operations under diverse weather conditions, real-time monitoring, and automated charging systems. Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: "Our airport is proud to lead the way by trialing autonomous vehicles. This initiative reflects our dedication to enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. We are excited to lead the way into a future where technology and mobility seamlessly converge and look forward to a successful outcome through collaboration with our key stakeholders'. Murat Nursel, Senior Vice President at QAS, commented: 'We have an ambitious vision for the years ahead—one that demands a company-wide commitment to execution and innovation. At QAS, we are driven by a relentless pursuit of advancement and excellence. The testing of autonomous vehicles, in collaboration with MATAR and Qatar Science & Technology Park, underscores our dedication to supporting our nation's vision while enhancing operational efficiency. We remain steadfast in our mission to redefine excellence, delivering unparalleled value to both our customers and employees." Dr Jack Lau, President of QSTP, said: "At QSTP, we are proud to support the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that redefine industries. This collaboration demonstrates not only our commitment to advancing technology but also to driving the digital transformation of one of the world's most complex and high-risk sectors—aviation. The Level 4 autonomous vehicle solutions being trialed at Hamad International Airport, developed within QSTP to shape the future of smart mobility. As we push the boundaries of technological excellence, initiatives like this align seamlessly with Qatar National Vision 2030, reinforcing our collective role in fostering a sustainable, tech-driven economy." The initiative emphasises innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability by minimising manual interventions and optimising processes. The successful implementation of this proof-of-concept project will lay the foundation for expanding the autonomous fleet, ultimately contributing to The State of Qatar's broader autonomous transportation framework, QAS said. - TradeArabia News Service