Call to Halt Operations After Second Coalmine Death
- A worker was killed in a coalmine accident in Queensland.
- This is the second death at the coalmine in a month, prompting calls to halt operations.
- The incident involved a 200-tonne truck running over a light vehicle.
A mine worker tragically lost his life at the Byerwen Mine in central Queensland on Thursday afternoon when a 200-tonne truck reportedly ran over a light vehicle. This incident marks the second fatality at the mine within a month, raising serious concerns about safety protocols. The Queensland Mining and Energy Union (QMEU) has called for an immediate halt to operations at the site, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent further tragedies. The accident occurred around 1 PM when a 793 truck collided with the light vehicle. The identity of the deceased worker has not yet been disclosed. QMEU district president Mitch Hughes expressed the profound shock and grief felt by the workforce, describing the news as "earth shattering" and highlighting a sense of déjà vu among workers who are grappling with the recent loss. In response to the incident, Queensland's Minister for Resources, Scott Stewart, pledged a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatality. Robert Djukic, chief executive of Resources Safety and Health Queensland, confirmed that an investigation team, including a coal inspector and serious incident investigator, is en route to the mine to assess the situation. Macmahon, the contractor for the Byerwen Mine, has activated its site emergency response team and is providing counseling services to support affected workers during this difficult time. The mining community is left mourning yet another tragic loss, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures in the industry.