Father demands answers after son critically injured at Perth Airport

The father of a 26-year-old man left critically injured on a work site in Perth has taken aim at his son’s employers.

Terry Butterworth flew in from New Zealand to be by his son Joshua’s side, two days after he suffered serious head injuries working underground at the Forrestfield airport tunnel.

“I’m very, very disappointed, I’m very annoyed, I’d like some answers,” Mr Butterworth said.

A high-pressure air hose blew lose and struck him in the head on Saturday evening.

Emergency crews used a crane to lift him 20 metres to the surface where he was taken to Royal Perth Hospital.

Mr Butterworth said he only found out his son was injured 10 hours after it happened.

“I found out through my friend here that my son was in hospital, not from the company I haven’t heard from the company yet. Nothing,” he said.

Joshua is employed by Salini Impregilo, who was awarded the government contact to build part of the underground railway tunnel at Perth Airport.

Salini Impregilo said it’s offered to cover the family’s accommodation costs while they are in Perth.

In a statement, the firm said it tried to contact the family once Joshua had been taken to Royal Perth Hospital, but was unsuccessful.

It’s understood he was wearing a helmet and other protective gear when he was hit.

WorkSafe is investigating how the hose came loose.