Young Boy Airlifted to Hospital After Savage Dingo Attack on K’gari Beach: Grandfather Witnessed Horror as Animal ‘Approached’ Child
- A primary-school-aged boy was bitten on the head by a dingo while walking with his grandfather on K’gari beach near Coolooloi Creek.
- The child was airlifted to Queensland Children’s Hospital in a stable condition after paramedics treated him for bite injuries and lacerations.
- Authorities are urging visitors to be dingo-safe, reminding them to keep kids close, avoid feeding wildlife, and never run, which can trigger negative interactions with dingoes.
The sun-kissed beaches of K’gari turned into a scene of horror on Saturday afternoon when a young boy was attacked by a dingo, leaving him with severe head injuries. The incident occurred around 3 pm near Coolooloi Creek, as the child walked with his grandfather on the popular beach.
The boy’s grandfather witnessed the terrifying moment when the dingo approached them, and the child suffered bite injuries and lacerations to his head. Emergency services quickly responded, and the child was treated by paramedics at Rainbow Beach before being airlifted to Queensland Children’s Hospital.
A spokesperson from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (DETSI) confirmed the incident, warning visitors to be vigilant and take necessary precautions when visiting K’gari. “Visitors to K’gari are reminded to be dingo-safe at all times,” the spokesperson said.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is investigating the incident, which serves as a stark reminder of the importance of dingo safety. Authorities are urging families to stay close to children, walk in groups, and never feed dingoes, which can trigger negative interactions.
This is not the first dingo attack on K’gari. In May, a nine-year-old boy was attacked by a dingo at Yidney Rocks, and passers-by rushed to help, injuring the animal, which was later euthanized by authorities.
Dingoes, native to Queensland National Parks, are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. The Queensland Government’s K’gari dingoes website provides more information on dingo safety and guidelines for visitors.
The incident has left the community shaken, with many calling for increased awareness and education on dingo safety. As the young boy recovers in hospital, his grandfather and family are left to process the traumatic event, grateful for the quick response of emergency services.