A worker has died and another has been seriously injured following a devastating vehicle accident at the BMA-operated Peak Downs Mine in Moranbah, Central Queensland.
The incident occurred shortly before 5am on Friday when the workers were inside a vehicle that was struck by a large truck at the mine site. According to reports, the truck allegedly reversed over the smaller vehicle, trapping the workers inside.
One worker, who was employed by one of the mine’s contracting partners, was unable to be rescued and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another worker was taken to Moranbah Hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.
Emergency crews, including Queensland Fire Department personnel and Queensland Ambulance Service responders, attended the scene following reports of the serious workplace incident.
BMA confirmed the tragedy in a statement, expressing deep sadness over the loss of one of its contractor partner’s workers.
“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,” the company said.
“This is a devastating tragedy which will be felt across BMA, BHP and the entire resources sector.”
The company said support was being provided to the families and loved ones affected by the incident.
Following the accident, BMA suspended operations across its sites for 24 hours to allow authorities to investigate and provide employees with time to reflect on workplace safety.
“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,” the company said.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has deployed investigators and coal inspectors to the mine and is working alongside Queensland Police and emergency services to determine the circumstances surrounding the worker’s death.
RSHQ chief executive Claire Cooper said early information indicated that two vehicles had collided at the site.
“Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” Cooper said.
Queensland Police are also assisting partner agencies with the investigation into the fatal incident.
The Mining and Energy Union expressed condolences to the worker’s family, friends, colleagues, and the wider mining community while safety representatives continue to examine what led to the tragedy.
The identity of the deceased worker has not been publicly released as authorities continue their investigation and notify those affected.
The Peak Downs Mine community remains in mourning as colleagues remember the worker lost and support those impacted by the tragic workplace accident. May he rest in peace.