Mayor Matt Burnett shares sympathies after Gladstone teen death

A boy has died after he was electrocuted and fell 10 metres at a popular swimming hole and walking route, with claims residents have been jumping off the bridge at the centre of the tragedy for ‘decades’.

The Gladstone community is reeling after the death of a teenage boy at a popular local swimming hole on Thursday afternoon, with revelations there was a push to restrict access to the site for safety reasons.

The 15-year-old boy was reportedly climbing and swinging near live power lines at the train bridge across Auckland Creek in McAndrew Drive.

It is understood the power pole exploded, causing the teenager to be shocked and fall 10 metres into the water below.

Emergency services were called but he was declared deceased at the scene about 12.30pm.

Another teenage boy was sighted on the scene being interviewed by police afterwards.

Police were escorted by Aurizon workers and were inspecting the area, including a backpack that was on top of the bridge.

Police and Aurizon staff inspecting the train bridge at Gladstone where the incident occurred.

Gladstone locals have taken to social media on the news of the tragedy, sharing how kids have jumped off the bridge for generations to swim in the water hole below.

The parkland below is also part of the weekly Park Run route.

Gladstone region mayor Matt Burnett was at a loss for words speaking about the tragedy.

“I don’t know what to say, it’s just terrible news,” he said.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends.

“I’ve got three children, I just can’t imagine what the family is going through.”

Mr Burnett said his son showed him the news yesterday from this publication.

“I just read the news online and my heart sank,” he said.

“I worked in the railway, I know that bridge very well.”

Police and Aurizon on scene where a teenage boy was electrocuted after climbing and swinging off a power pole near the train bridge across Auckland Creek.

Police will now try to work out the moments that led up to the death as they prepare a report for the coroner.

The bridge is operated by Aurizon and council has no authority to restrict access to the site.

There have been no other deaths recorded at the site.

“It’s a well used park area,” Mr Burnett said.

“I know they (Aurizon) tried to do everything they can to close it.

“It scares the life out of drivers when they leave Callemondah and see teenagers on the bridge.

“It’s just very sad what’s happened.”