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Byron Shire
November 9, 2026

Helicopter surprise at Mullum’s Uncle Tom’s

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Updated Sunday, April 19, 10.45am

Staff at a take-away food store got a windy surprise this morning when a helicopter landed on the road in front of their business.

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter was responding to a reported head-on collision between two vehicles on Gulgan Road near Mullumbimby at 9am.

Ambulance Service NSW Paramedics and the Helicopter Critical Care Medical Team treated and stabilised a 65-year-old male who was trapped in his vehicle.

Police say that at about 8.15am on Saturday 18th April, a vehicle travelling in a north bound direction appears to have crossed over unbroken lines and collided with vehicle heading south
on Gulgan Road.

For 30 minutes several rescue service teams worked to release the man.

The driver of the second vehicle was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The attending rescue helicopter landed near the accident at the intersection of Gulgan Road and Mullumbimby Road.

One of the staff at Uncle Tom’s Pies which sits on the T of the intersection, filmed the arrival of the aircraft and the effect it had one the shop, which she said was totally unexpected.

‘The helicopter landed on the road just outside without any warning,’ said Simone McLaugh.

‘It was the largest helicopter in the fleet and apparently it creates an updraft equivalent to a category 3 cyclone.’

One man was conveyed by helicopter to Gold Coast University hospital with suspected head injury.

The 65-year-old male patient was airlifted to the Gold  Coast University Hospital in a critical condition, for further treatment. Police say ge is in a serious but stable condition.



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