Australia Day tragedy as woman dies competing in lamington-eating competition
A woman has died on Australia Day while competing in a lamington-eating competition at a Queensland pub.
The sixty-year old woman is believed to have suffered a seizure while trying to eat as many lamingtons as possible in a set time.
Mobile phone footage has emerged of the event which was held at the Beach House Hotel in Scarness near Hervey Bay.
One witness to the tragedy wrote on Facebook: ““This lady shovelled the lamington into her mouth with no restraint … inhaled the coconut and arrested.
“The pub was very quick to respond with CPR, and the ambulance rocked … working on her (for) over half an hour, it didn’t look good.”
The manager and patron helped the woman until the emergency services arrived. The ambulance crew did CPR on the woman for around 30 minutes before taking her to Hervey Bay Hospital where she later died.
Queensland Ambulance Service said the woman had a seizure before choking on the lamington, causing her to stop breathing.
The pub has since released a statement on social media.
“The management and staff of the Beach House Hotel offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of one of our patrons following the tragic event at our venue on Australia Day,” the post read.
“We acknowledge and thank our supportive patrons, staff, and the Queensland Ambulance Service for their prompt and professional response while this tragic incident was unfolding.”
The Top of the Bay Bakery, which provided the lamingtons and pies for the contest, also shared its condolences online.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident at the beach house hotel yesterday. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family,” the post read.
Sheridan Randall, 28th January 2020
