Investigation under way after man dies in machinery accident at mine

Work has stopped at a central Queensland mine following the death of a worker in a machinery accident at the site overnight.

A man has been killed in an industrial accident at a mine in Central Queensland. File picture

AN investigation is under way after a sudden death at a mining site in central Queensland.

Emergency services were called to the incident about 10.30pm on Monday night near Dysart, southwest of Mackay.

Police confirmed this morning that there had been a sudden death at the site, but would not provide further information about the incident.

Mackay City Police Inspector Ian Haughton told the Daily Mercury he was hesitant to release identifying information, as police scramble to contact the deceased’s next of kin.

“Late last night at a mine site in the Mackay district an industrial incident has occurred where a man has(died) while at work,” he said.

Insp Haughton said the death involved a “machinery accident” and had put a tragic dampener on the first day of 2019.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy confirmed the incident occurred at the Saraji Open Cut Coal Mine.

“The mine has ceased operations while investigation by mines inspectors commences,” she said.

“As the investigation is under way we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

Police and the Department of Mines and Natural Resources will investigate the incident, with a report to be prepared for the Coroner.