SES volunteer Joshua Hutton reflects on Lake Connewarre plane crash ahead of Wear Orange Wednesday

A rescuer reveals what really happened when a plane carrying 17 people crashed on the banks of Lake Connewarre.

Joshua Hutton, from the SES, at Lake Connewarre. Picture: Mark Wilson

Joshua Hutton’s 27 years of experience with the South Barwon State Emergency Service (SES) unit were put to the test after a light plane carrying 17 people crashed at Lake Connewarre.

A third generation SES volunteer, the deputy controller said getting to the October incident was a “scramble”.

Deployed as a crew leader following reports a plane full of skydivers had left the runway on the lake’s southern edge, Mr Hutton said volunteers arrived at the scene to find the plane had instead crash landed on the northern shore.

Lake Connewarre response. Picture: Supplied

Repositioning his team of five volunteers while co-ordinating a multi-agency response alongside firefighters and Ambulance Victoria, Mr Hutton worked with private landholders to gain access to the crash site to begin assisting those on board the aircraft. ​

One patient was transported on a single-wheel mule stretcher to an air ambulance.

Several others were transported by basket stretcher to an ambulance staging area at the top of the property, which Mr Hutton said was about 600m from the crash site, after complaining of injuries to their back and neck areas.

Lake Connewarre response. Picture: Supplied

​The wetlands environment prevented road ambulances from directly accessing the scene, meaning SES volunteers were also required to ferry the walking wounded to paramedics.

“That could have potentially been a catastrophic event, and (the pilot) has done really well,” Mr Hutton said.

The pilot and all skydivers managed to escape without life-threatening injuries.

Lake Connewarre response. Picture: Supplied

The 44-year-old cabinet maker joined the SES as a teenager and said plane and major car crashes and rail rescues were among the most significant jobs he’d attended. ​

He enjoys being able to give back to the community and train new members through the service. ​

In the SES Barwon Southwest region, volunteers have supported the community at thousands of requests for assistances since last April, including downed trees, building damage and road rescues.

Australians are being urged to show thanks to SES volunteers by dressing in orange as part of Wear Orange Wednesday on May 22.

The annual event encourages the public to express their thanks and acknowledge the work of SES volunteers.

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Originally published as SES volunteer Joshua Hutton reflects on Lake Connewarre plane crash ahead of Wear Orange Wednesday