Alice Springs police officer Andrea Bennett fighting for life after freak accident

TERRITORY police are in shock as one of their own fights for her life after a freak accident with a horse at the police stables in Alice Springs

Senior Constable Andrea Bennett has been placed in a medically induced coma after a freak accident at the police horse stables in Alice Springs. PICTURE: Rex Nicholson

TERRITORY police are in shock as one of their own fights for her life after a freak accident with a horse at the police stables in Alice Springs.

The NT News understands Senior Constable Andrea Bennett, part of the Alice Springs Mounted Unit was injured at lunchtime on Tuesday during a training accident with a horse.

Snr-Const Bennett was seriously injured and taken to Alice Springs Hospital and placed in a medically induced coma. She was in a stable condition last night.

The mother of two young boys was posted to Alice Springs after completing an accelerated recruitment course in 2013.

It is understood doctors at Alice Springs Hospital were still to determine the extent of her injuries yesterday.

Officers at Alice Springs were told of the incident yesterday and Commissioner Reece Kershaw flew to be with the officer’s family.

A statement released by Territory police said the incident would be investigated by NT WorkSafe, and an internal inquiry carried out by NT Police. Mr Kershaw said the entire NT Police Force wished Snr-Const Bennett a speedy and complete recovery.

“Everybody’s thoughts are with this dedicated and passionate officer and her family at this difficult time,” he said.

“Her friends, colleagues and the wider family of police officers throughout the Territory have been very deeply affected.

“She has the best care possible at the Alice Springs Hospital, and it is my earnest hope that it isn’t long before she is back with her family, and able to resume her duties as a key member of our team.” NT Police Association President Paul McCue said Snr-Const Bennett’s colleagues were upset.

“Her family are in Alice Springs and both the Commissioner and our representatives are with them. At this stage we are hopeful of making a full recovery,” he said.