Curragh mine death: Robin Rabbitt calls industry a ‘joke’ over son Donald Rabbitt’s death

The heartbroken father of a Central Queensland miner who was fatally crushed by a 4.5-tonne tyre, has revealed new information about his son’s case.

The heartbroken father of a miner who was fatally crushed by a falling 4.5-tonne tyre, has lashed out at the industry calling it “a joke” as he reveals new information about his son’s death.

Robin Rabbitt, who has nightmares over his son’s death, is frustrated and angry the court case is still ongoing 2.5 years later.

Donald Rabbitt, who was an experience tyre fitter, had been working alone on January 12, 2020 when the shocking incident occurred at Curragh mine – the tyre he was changing had fallen from about waist height crushing him.

Newly released photos of Donald Rabbitt, who was killed at Curragh mine at Blackwater in January 2020. Picture supplied by Robin Rabbitt

The 33-year-old Thiess employee was found about 4.15pm.

Mr Rabbitt said he had information suggesting Donald’s supervisor had been at the workspace where he was alone within a 30-minute window before the fatal crush incident – and had left him to continue working alone.

“It breaks my heart knowing he was working on his own when there should have been minimum of two people on,” Mr Rabbitt said, adding there had been three people rostered the night shift before.

“I don’t know whether he was killed instantly, I don’t know whether he was laying screaming underneath that tyre.

“Safety is a presumption.”

Robin Rabbitt says he visits his son's grave every day. Donald Rabbit was fatally crushed while changing a tyre.

Mr Rabbitt has also questioned whether or not safety protocols at the mine had been followed.

Less than two years after Donald’s death Clark Peadon, 54, was fatally crushed by a dragline at 12.43am at the same mine on November 21, 2021.

Mr Rabbitt said the whole industry was “an absolute joke”.

“My son’s life, it appears to myself, my wife and his brother and sister … that his life meant nothing,” Mr Rabbitt said.

“Will our questions be answered?”

Curragh mine operator are among those charged over Donald Rabbitt’s death.

He said the lack of answers and the ongoing court process was messing him and his family “in the head”.

“Nothing seems to be happening, can’t get answers,” he said.

“My son is dead.

“I have nightmares … every night I think about this.”

Mr Rabbitt, who lives in Goondiwindi, said he visited Donald’s grave every day.

“It absolutely kills me sitting at his grave thinking no one gives a f--k,” he said.

He recalled his last moments with his son, a week before the tragedy.

Mr Rabbitt said he cooked Donald breakfast and gave him a hug at 10am, watching him drive off down the street heading back to work.

“That was the last time I saw him.”

Curragh mine operator Coronado Curragh Pty Ltd, international mining services company Theiss and the site senior executive at the time are charged with failing to discharge health and safety obligations over Donald’s death.

It is alleged the offence date is between December 23, 2019 and January 13, 2020. The case was mentioned in Emerald Magistrates Court this month and has been adjourned to a later date.

This publication contacted Coronado for comments, but the company declined stating the matter was before the courts.