Tributes flow for Gracemere miner killed in dozer tragedy
Friends and family devastated by the loss of a 'great man'.
Regional news
Don't miss out on the headlines from Regional news. Followed categories will be added to My News.
TRIBUTES are flowing for a Queensland man killed in a mining accident tragedy near Dysart on New Year's Eve.
Unconfirmed reports from mining sources suggest Allan Houston was driving a dozer at the Saraji Mine when it rolled off a 50m high bench, turning over a number of times.
The mine was shut down following the incident and workers were sent home early.
Since the news of the fatality friends and family of 'Big Al', as he known by his friends, have taken to social media to pay their respects to a well-loved man.
Hundreds of people have honoured Mr Houston as they expressed their condolences to his family.
Many of the tributes and posts said he was 'taken too soon' as Gracemere and the wider Central Queensland community grieve the loss of a 'great man' who was respected and cherished by those who knew him.
One woman sent her respects to Mr Houston's family, saying 'My deepest sympathies to your family, and his daughter who he clearly cherished and adored'.
One close friend of the man took to Facebook to express his grief, saying 'this news has greatly saddened me as he was a great mate and a great man and was a grooms man at my wedding.'
Another friend expressed her grief over the loss of Mr Houston, saying 'We are praying for you & your family. I can't believe Allan has left us'.
Others expressed their sadness over the incident saying it was a sad day for the industry.
Many others saying how sad the loss is for the family and the community.
"Rest in peace brother," one friend said.
"So sad, RIP buddy. Condolences to the family," another wrote.
Mining giant speaks out after worker dies in Bowen Basin
Workers from Saraji are also mourning the loss of one of their own, and mining company BMA said in a statement the welfare of the man's family and the safety of their staff was their highest priority.
One Rockhampton man who worked in the same crew as man took to social media to say it was a very hard day and 'the operator was a good fellow'.
Mining and Energy Union, CFMEU have said they will be running their own investigation into the workplace accident.
BMA's Employee Assistance Program provider is available to support employees and their families affected by this incident: 1800 056 076.