Mine worker crushed to death in overnight tragedy as investigations begin into what went wrong
- A man died at Curragh coal mine, in central Queensland, on Sunday morning
- The long-term mine employee, aged in his 50s, was reportedly crushed to death
- Operations have been suspended and an investigation has been launched
A worker has been crushed to death at a coalmine in central Queensland, as an investigation begins into the second fatality at the site in two years.
Police confirmed the unidentified man died early on Sunday morning at Curragh mine, 30 kilometres north of Blackwater.
Officers attended the scene about 2.15am and will prepare a report for the Mines Inspectorate, which is part of Resources Safety and Health Queensland.
The 54-year-old miner died from what is believed to have been a crush injury.
A 54-year-old man has been crushed to death at Curragh coal mine (pictured) in Central Queensland
‘I am shocked and saddened to hear of the traffic incident at the Curragh Mine in Central Queensland, which has resulted in the death of a long-term employee,’ Opposition resources, mining and energy spokesman Pat Weir said, the Courier Mail reports.
‘I extend my condolences to the miner’s family and work colleagues.’
Coronado Global Resources said mine operations had been temporarily suspended to allow authorities to investigate.
‘A full investigation is being conducted into the accident and Coronado is working with the Queensland police, the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and other authorities,’ a CGR spokeswoman said.
Coronado Global Resources said mine operations had been temporarily suspended to allow authorities to investigate. Pictured: Wesfarmers personnel surveying Curragh mine in 2011
‘Coronado offers their deepest sympathies to the family, friends and workmates of the employee.
‘The company is focused on supporting its workers at Curragh and counselling services are being made available.’
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
The death is the second at the mine in the past two years after Donald Rabbitt, 33, was killed on January 20, 2020, after being crushed by heavy machinery while changing a tyre.
Curragh mine, which has been open since 1983, boasts about 88million tonnes of coking coal, making it one of the largest reserves in the world.
Donald Rabbitt (pictured) was crushed to death by a low-loader trailer while changing a tyre in January 2020
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