Five people injured in Moranbah mine explosion

Five workers have been left fighting for life after an explosion at a workplace at Moranbah in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

Five people have critical injuries after an explosion at a Moranbah mine. Picture: Tony Martin

Five workers have sustained critical injuries after an explosion at a Moranbah mine off Goonyella Road in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

The patients suffered significant burns to their upper bodies and airways, a Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman told news.com.au, and have been taken to the local Moranbah hospital in a serious condition.

Ambulance crews were called to the scene at 3.14pm. Two rescue helicopters and three LifeFlight rescue jets were deployed to assist in the aeromedical response.

Bridgette Seymour from QAS told reporters they were coordinating with Retrieval Services Queensland to get the five patients to hospitals in Brisbane.

The Anglo American Grosvenor mine site. Picture: Tony Martin

“The services are on their way out to the hospital at the moment,” she said.

“We believe the arrival will be around 6pm this evening. They’ll work with the teams on the ground to make sure the patients are stable and bring them back safely to the Brisbane area.”

A spokesperson for mine operator Anglo American said the explosion took place at Grosvenor coal mine.

“All of the injured people’s families have been contacted,” they said.

“All remaining on site personnel have been accounted for.

“The mine is in the process of being evacuated and operations stopped. Emergency response is currently underway.

“The mines inspectorate has been contacted and Anglo American is working to ensure the injured people have the best available medical care.”

CFMEU safety inspectors have visited the site and will undertake a thorough, independent investigation.

CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland district president Stephen Smyth said the immediate priority was taking care of affected workers.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured workers and their families, and all the workers at Grosvenor affected by today’s events,” Mr Smyth said.

“The union will do everything possible to support a return to the safe conditions at the mine and get to the bottom of what has occurred today.

“Explosions are the worst nightmare for underground coalminers; we will make sure no stone is left unturned.”