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Incident Overview
Echuca Moama Taxi Group was fined after two wheelchair passengers died in separate incidents on its services in 2021. The ABC reported the County Court of Victoria sentencing on 26 June 2026, following the earlier hearing recorded in the imported draft.
Christine Looney died after her wheelchair tipped backwards during a routine taxi trip in February 2021. John Phyland suffered injuries when his wheelchair tipped backwards during a June 2021 trip and died a week later from complications.
Workplace, Location and Time
The incidents occurred during taxi services in the Echuca-Moama area of northern Victoria. Ms Looney’s death occurred in Echuca in February 2021; Mr Phyland’s incident occurred in June 2021 while he was travelling home from dialysis treatment. The precise times were not reported.
Worker and Incident Details
The passengers were members of the public using wheelchair-accessible taxi services, not employees of EMTG. The court heard that wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems were not properly secured. The company admitted it needed ongoing refresher training and competency assessment for drivers.
Injuries or Fatality
Ms Looney became trapped when her wheelchair tipped backwards and died after her airway was obstructed. Mr Phyland suffered a fractured sternum and died a week later from complications. The court treated both deaths as relevant to the risks of incorrectly secured wheelchair passengers.
Emergency and Regulator Response
WorkSafe Victoria investigated both incidents. Following Ms Looney’s death, a prohibition order prevented the taxi vehicle from operating until it was certified safe. EMTG later introduced refresher training, updated vehicle checklists and arranged further restraint-system training. General information for people affected by a workplace injury is available from workers compensation lawyers.
Investigation or Court Update
EMTG pleaded guilty to breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act. County Court Judge Justin Lewis fined the company $133,828, accepting that the early guilty plea demonstrated responsibility and remorse. The sentence was the outcome reported on 26 June 2026.
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