Key Takeaways
- An industrial incident occurred at Curragh Coal Mine in Central Queensland, resulting in one man being hospitalized and another remaining missing.
- The incident involved a roof collapse, and rescue operations are currently underway to recover the missing worker.
- Queensland Police and Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) are investigating the incident and assisting with rescue efforts.
- The parent company, Coronado Global Resources, is aware of the incident but has not provided comment.
Introduction to the Incident
The Curragh Coal Mine in Central Queensland has been the site of a serious industrial incident, resulting in one man being hospitalized and another remaining unaccounted for. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, with police being called to the scene at approximately 3 pm. Initial reports indicate that one man was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the search for the second man continues. The Queensland Police Service has stated that they will assist partner agencies with their investigations into the incident, which is currently ongoing.
Details of the Incident
According to a spokesperson for Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), the incident involved a roof collapse at the mine. RSHQ, along with emergency services and mines rescue, is responding to the situation and working to recover the worker involved. The current focus is on supporting efforts to rescue the missing worker, and rescue operations remain underway. The RSHQ spokesperson stated that the regulator was made aware of the incident on Friday afternoon and is working closely with other agencies to respond to the situation.
Response and Investigation
The Queensland Police Service and RSHQ are working together to investigate the incident and determine the cause of the roof collapse. The police have stated that they will assist partner agencies with their investigations, which will likely involve a thorough examination of the mine and its operations. The RSHQ spokesperson emphasized that the current focus is on supporting efforts to recover the worker involved, and that the investigation will be conducted in conjunction with other agencies. The Queensland Resources Minister, Dale Last, has been contacted for comment, but it is unclear at this time what his response will be.
Company Response
The parent company of the Curragh Coal Mine, Coronado Global Resources, has stated that it is aware of the incident but has not provided further comment. This is not unusual in situations like this, as companies often wait until more information is available before making a public statement. However, it is likely that the company will be involved in the investigation and will be working closely with regulators and other agencies to determine the cause of the incident and to implement any necessary safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ongoing Operations
Rescue operations are currently underway, with emergency services and mines rescue working to recover the missing worker. The situation is serious, and the focus is on locating the missing worker as quickly and safely as possible. The RSHQ spokesperson emphasized that the current focus is on supporting efforts to recover the worker involved, and that the investigation will be conducted in conjunction with other agencies. The incident highlights the risks and dangers associated with working in the mining industry and the importance of prioritizing safety and taking measures to prevent accidents.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The incident at the Curragh Coal Mine in Central Queensland is a serious reminder of the risks and dangers associated with working in the mining industry. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it is likely that more information will become available in the coming days and weeks. The Queensland Police Service and RSHQ will continue to work together to investigate the incident and determine the cause of the roof collapse. The focus for now remains on recovering the missing worker and supporting the family and colleagues of those affected by the incident. As the situation develops, it is likely that further information will become available, and the investigation will continue to unfold.