Sri Lankan couple sue over QF plunge
MELBOURNE – A Sri Lankan couple who were seriously injured during a Qantas flight that dived mid-air are taking legal action against the airline.
According to The Age Sam Samaratunga, 68, and his wife Rani, 62, have hired Melbourne law firm Shine Lawyers in their bid to seek compensation for their medical expenses.
The pair, who were visiting Melbourne for their son’s wedding, suffered spinal and head injuries when they were flung from their seats after Qantas flight QF72 from Singapore to Australia plunged suddenly on October 7.
The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing at Learmonth airbase near Exmouth in north-west Western Australia and 44 passengers required hospital treatment.
Shine Lawyers partner Roger Singh told The Age the Sri Lankan couple suffered serious physical and psychological injuries in the incident.
“Mrs Samaratunga suffered spinal fractures which have turned what should have been a joyous trip to Australia to see her son get married into a painful nightmare,” Mr Singh said.
The Samaratungas are due to fly home from Melbourne via Singapore on Sunday.
Qantas has provided a goodwill package to passengers on QF72, including return airfares and $300 in out-of-pocket expenses.
But Mr Singh said this was seriously inadequate considering the pain and trauma the Samaratungas had suffered.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it believed the incident was caused by a fault in the plane’s computer systems.
Ian Jarrett
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