Community rallies behind Morgan Zeeno burnt by steam at Mount Isa Mines copper smelter
The North Queensland community has rallied behind a man as he recovers from a devastating workplace incident that left him with severe burns covering half his body.
Townsville
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The North Queensland community has rallied behind a man as he recovers from a devastating workplace incident that left him with severe burns covering half his body.
Townsville man Morgan Zeeno, along with another contract worker, were working at the Mount Isa Mines copper smelter on Thursday, April 25 when they were seriously burnt by steam from a vent that opened near them.
The pair were flown to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for high-level burns treatment.
Mr Zeeno suffered severe steam burns to over 50 per cent of his body, including his back, arms, hands, and upper legs.
After being in the ICU for a week, his sister, Alexandra Burgaretta, said thankfully his condition had improved enough for him to be transferred to the burns ward last Friday.
She has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Mr Zeeno and his partner Abbey as he goes through his lengthy recovery, which has already raised more than $13,000.
“Morgan faces a long and painful journey ahead, including skin grafts and extensive rehabilitation to regain full function of his body,” she wrote.
“While we are hopeful for his recovery, the financial burden weighs heavily on Morgan and Abbey during this difficult time.
“We are reaching out for your support to alleviate their financial worries and ensure that Morgan can focus solely on his recovery without the added stress of financial strain.
“Morgan is a truly beautiful and compassionate soul who has always put others before himself.
“Now, it’s our turn to rally around him and show him the same love and care that he has always shown others.”
Ms Burgaretta said she was thankful to see her brother was now “talking, eating, drinking and making incredible progress every day.”
“Morgan will likely start having skin grafting surgery early this week,” she said.
“His spirit and courage is so strong, and he is highly motivated for his recovery to begin.”
A Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) spokesman said an investigation into the workplace incident at the mine was underway.
You can help the GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/65a12ce7
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Originally published as Community rallies behind Morgan Zeeno burnt by steam at Mount Isa Mines copper smelter
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