Man in critical condition after workplace incident at Newstead

Witnesses have described hearing a loud bang and screaming during a horror workplace incident that has left two people injured, one critically, at a Brisbane construction site.

The Newstead worksite where two people have been injured, one critically. Photo Steve Pohlner

A man is fighting for life after being struck by pipe after an incident at a worksite in inner-city Brisbane, with witnesses reporting hearing a loud bang followed by screams.

Emergency services were called to the worksite at Wyandra St, Newstead at 12.10pm.

According to the Queensland Ambulance Service, two male patients were assessed after being struck by a metal object.

“A bit of piping has struck a patient who has then fallen from machinery,” a QAS spokesman said.

The Newstead worksite where two people have been injured, one critically.

“So that male patient has some life-threatening head injuries and he was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition.

“The second male patient was struck in the chest and he was taken to the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital in a stable condition.”

It is understood that the men were working on a drilling rig and that there may have been an issue with the hydraulic line.

It is understood the metal object fell from the machinery and workers were packing up for the day when the incident occurred.

A witness said a man was seen receiving treatment for 20 minutes under a tent on the side of the road.

It is understood the piping fell from machinery, and that the incident happened as workers were packing up for the day.

Other witnesses, from a neighbouring business, said they initially heard a “loud bang” as well as “screaming”.

“There was a bunch of havoc and sirens coming down the street, we didn’t go investigate but we didn’t realise it was something serious,” one woman who wished to not be named said.

Another said she thought the bang initially came from up the road, believing it must have been a car accident.

Police at the scene where a worker was left fighting for life after an incident where he was hit with a metal object. Photo Steve Pohlner

“We did hear a bit of screaming though,” she said.

“I didn’t think much of it until the tents went up and the ambulance drove past.”

According to the pair it was “torrential rain” when the incident occurred.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland officers are on the scene and are being assisted by Queensland Police.

In a statement, a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland spokesperson said the organisation was investigating the incident.

“Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) was notified of an incident that occurred today (Tuesday 19 November 2024) at Newstead involving two workers onsite,” the spokesperson said.

“WHSQ has responded, are onsite and inspectors are making inquiries.

“As this is an active investigation no further comment can be made at this time.”

Site owner Cavcorp said they were “working with all parties involved in the incident and are ensuring support is provided as required.”

In a statement on behalf of the ETU Queensland and Northern Territory Branch, State Organiser Wendel Moloney said the incident highlights the need to maintain right of entry laws.

“Our hearts go out to the workers and families involved in this tragic incident, and it reinforces the need to maintain strong right of entry laws for union officials to assist and protect workers on job sites,” Mr Moloney said.