Qld bushfires: Man dies while clearing firebreak at Rolleston, west of Rockhampton

A 21-year-old man has died after being hit by a falling tree while he was clearing a fire break in central Queensland.

A YOUNG man has died after a tree fell on him as he was clearing a fire break at his family property in central Queensland.

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Police said the 21-year-old had been at property at Rolleston attempting to cut the tree with a chainsaw when it fell and trapped him about 7.30pm yesterday.

Three others with him at the time tried to assist him but he died at the scene.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk offered her sympathies to the man’s family.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to a Rolleston family after the death of their son. The 21yr old was killed by a falling tree while clearing a fire break on the family property.
This tragedy brings home the serious dangers of the bushfires and the courage of those fighting them.

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) December 1, 2018

She said the said the tragedy brought home the serious dangers of the bushfires and the courage of those fighting them.

“Can I offer my condolences to the family of a very young man that tragically lost his life,” the Premier said.

“It goes to show that everyone is doing everything they can to save their homes and properties and it is just with great sadness that we’ve learnt about this young man’s death.

“On behalf of all Queenslanders, I really want to pass on my condolences to the family.”

QFES Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing also extended his sympathies to the family.

“I do know that it is under investigation with police, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends. It’s an absolute tragic event and circumstance.

“We understand the preparatory work was associated with the Carnarvon fire that’s out that way.”

Investigations into the matter are continuing and police will now prepare a report for the Coroner.

More than 100 bushfires are continuing to burn across the state