LATEST: INVESTIGATORS REMAIN AT CENTRAL QUEENSLAND MINE AFTER FATAL WORKPLACE TRAGEDY—OFFICIALS PROMISE FULL INVESTIGATION AS NEW DETAILS BEGIN TO EMERGE
A major mine has halted operations for 24 hours after one worker died and another was in was seriously injured in what has been described as a “devastating tragedy”.
The workers were in a vehicle when it was struck by a large truck at the BMA-operated Peak Downs mine in Moranbah in Central Queensland shortly before 5am on Friday.
A man has died and another has been injured in a truck crash at Peak Downs mine. Picture: Tara Miko
One man, who was working for one of the mine’s contracting partners, was trapped inside the vehicle and died at the scene.
Another man was taken to Moranbah Hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition,the Queensland Ambulance Service said.
A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson told NewsWire a “couple of crews” were called to the scene before 5am.
He said they were called to the large above ground mine after reports a truck had reversed over the other vehicle, trapping the men inside.
A BMA spokesman told NewsWire the incident was a “devastating tragedy”.
“With deep sadness we confirm that a member of our team who worked for one of our contracting partners was fatally injured this morning at Peak Downs Mine in a vehicle-related incident. A second team member was injured.,” they told NewsWire.
“This is a devastating tragedy which will be felt across BMA, BHP and the entire resources sector.
“We are providing support to the families and loved ones involved.”
The mine has ceased operations for 24 hours while the investigation takes place. Picture: Instagram
They said the mining operations would cease for 24 hours to allow authorities to investigate the incident.
“BMA has ceased operations across all our sites for 24 hours to support authorities and enable our people to reflect and refocus on safe ways of working,” they said.
“We are working closely with emergency services and Resources Health and Safety Queensland.”
Resources Safety Health Queensland chief executive Claire Cooper said early information suggested two vehicles collided at the site early on Friday morning.
“RSHQ has deployed investigators and coal inspectors to site and is working closely with Queensland Police Service and Queensland Ambulance Service to respond to the incident,” Ms Cooper told NewsWire.
“Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Police and Resources Safety Health Queensland are investigating the death. Picture: Instagram
Queensland Police were called to the site and are working alongside other agencies as part of the investigation.
“Police will assist partner agencies with their investigations of the incident,” a police statement read.
A Mining and Energy Union spokesman told NewsWire it was supporting its industry safety and health representatives during the investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends, workmates and the broader mine community at this incredibly difficult time,” they said.
“The relevant authorities and the union’s industry safety and health representatives are responding to the incident, undertaking their investigations and providing support.
“Our priority is supporting workers while the full circumstances of the incident are still being established.”
SOURCE: https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/man-killed-another-seriously-injured-in-truck-crash-at-central-queensland-mine/news-story/5336e2f717189f91bb521ded958b277f
