Five people critically injured after Moranbah mine explosion
A jet sent to pick up critically injured workers from a mine explosion in central Queensland has touched down in Brisbane.
QLD News
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A JET sent to pick up critically injured workers following an explosion at a central Queensland mine has touched down in Brisbane.
Three planes were sent to Moranbah this afternoon after five workers were critically injured after an apparent gas explosion at Moranbah’s Grosvenor coal mine, southwest of Mackay.
Queensland Ambulance Service said the incident happened about 3.15pm at a worksite off Goonyella Rd.
The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union said it appeared have been caused by the ignition of gas on the mine’s longwall face.
One flight has been sent from Brisbane while the other two are from Townsville.
An RACQ LifeFlight spokeswoman said a decision would be made as to what hospital the patients were taken to once paramedics assessed the severity of their burns and weighed up the risk of travel.
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Queensland Ambulance Service senior media officer Brigette Seymour said the patients were all in a serious condition with significant burns when paramedics arrived on scene.
“There were medical services on-site, and on our arrival we worked with those services to ensure we treated five patients and transported them to Moranbah Hospital,” she said.
“They were in a serious condition with significant burns.”
Ms Seymour said QAS was working with rescue agencies to transport the patients to care in Brisbane hospitals.
A spokesperson for mine operator Anglo American confirmed that an incident occurred at its Grosvenor Mine.
“All of the injured people’s families have been contacted,” said the spokesperson.
“All remaining on site personnel have been accounted for.
“The mine is in the process of being evacuated and operations stopped. Emergency response is currently underway.
“The mines inspectorate has been contacted and Anglo American is working to ensure the injured people have the best available medical care.”
Two mines inspectors arrived at the mine tonight and another two are expected to arrive on Thursday morning.
CFMEU Mining and Energy safety inspectors are attending the site, the union saying it would undertake a thorough, independent investigation into the cause.
Queensland district president Stephen Smyth said the immediate priority was taking care of affected workers.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured workers and their families, and all the workers at Grosvenor affected by today’s events,” he said.
“The union will do everything possible to support a return to safe conditions at the mine and get to the bottom of what has occurred today.
“Explosions are the worst nightmare for underground coal miners; we will make sure no stone is left unturned.”
Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said he expected a “thorough independent investigation” by the mine safety regulator, and that his primary concern was for the injured workers and their families.
“My thoughts and prayers are with them and their workmates,” he said.
“They are in the best of hands with Queensland’s world class medical teams in our public hospitals.
“I‘m advised that two mines inspectors are on site, and two more will arrive tomorrow, including the Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines.
“All other workers are accounted for and operations have ceased.”
Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said she was praying for the safety of the miners.
“There have been too many tragedies in our mines in the past 18 months and this news is another terrible shock for the industry,” she said.
“My thoughts are with these workers and with their families, friends and workmates.
“This incident is a reminder of the very real risks that mine workers take every day to provide for their families and their communities.
“Every Queenslander should be able to go home safely when their work is done.”
This is the second serious incident for Anglo American-owned mines in the Moranbah region this year, after Grosvenor’s sister mine in Moranbah North experienced a roof collapse on January 30. No one was injured.
Earlier this year Anglo American chief executive Mark Cutifani said 2019 was the best year for the overall safety performance of the company, despite it recording four deaths at its managed operations, including that of Bradley Hardwick, who was killed in an underground collision at the Moranbah North mine in February.
In a statement about the company’s 2019 safety results, which was published to the Anglo American website in February, Mr Cutifani said safety was at the forefront of the company’s mind.
“It is tragic that we continue to experience serious safety incidents, in which four of our employees died at managed operations in 2019,” he said
“And while 2019 was our best safety performance in our history, our progress strengthens our determination to deliver on our commitment to zero harm.”
Additional reporting Melanie Whiting & Elise Williams
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