A woman in her 60s died during an Australia Day lamington eating competition in South East Queensland on Sunday 26th January 2020.
The incident took place at the Beach House Hotel in Scarness, Hervey Bay, where the woman was participating in the event.
Eyewitnesses reported that the woman had a seizure after consuming the traditional sponge cake covered in chocolate and desiccated coconut.
The pub’s security guard and manager immediately performed CPR while an ambulance was called. Despite efforts by paramedics to revive her, the woman could not be saved and died at Hervey Bay Hospital.
Della Firth, a witness at the event, wrote on Facebook that she had spoken to the woman earlier in the day. Ms Firth said, “The pub was very quick to respond with CPR, and the ambulance rocked up soon, but working on her over half a hour (sic) it didn’t look good.”
The cause of death is currently under investigation and a report will be prepared for the coroner. The event organisers and the authorities have not yet released any statements regarding this tragic incident.
