Miner killed at Saraji South Coal mine identified as Mackay man Luke O’Brien

A young worker killed following a mining incident in Central Queensland is being remembered as a “gentle soul”.

Friends and family grieving the loss of a young worker killed following a mining incident in Central Queensland have remembered the 27-year-old as a “gentle soul” with a willingness to help anyone who needed it.

Emergency services were called to BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Saraji South coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin on Monday following reports a man had been pinned between a fuel truck and a mining ute.

Luke O'Brien has been identified as the worker killed at Saraji mine. Picture: Supplied

It’s understood Luke O’Brien had been working in a fuel-bay area of the mine when he was crushed.

The BEP engineering and maintenance worker suffered critical crush injuries after the ute rolled backwards instead of forwards.

He later died at Dysart hospital.

The passionate speed racer was well known around the region, having competed as a modified sedan racer.

The Old Saloon Car Association shared the news of his death with its members on Facebook.

“The whole speedway family is saddened at this time on the passing of Luke O’Brien from injuries suffered in a workplace incident,” the post read.

“Luke was a popular competitor who had a gentle soul and was always willing to help anyone.

“Condolences to the O’Brien family – RIP Luke – you have joined the speedway in the sky.”

High school friend Glen Payne told 7News the tragedy was “pretty heartbreaking”.

The 27-year-old is being remembered as a cheeky mate who would help anyone out if they needed. Picture: Supplied

“Yeah, pretty tough,” he said.

“He loved speedway.

“He loved it for years through his father as well. His father raced it for many years.”

Mining and Energy Union Queensland president Mitch Hughes said the whole mining community was shocked about Mr O’Brien’s death.

“This is the worst news we can ever receive,” Mr Hughes said.

“We are devastated that a coal miner is not returning home at the end of their shift.

“Our hearts go out to friends and family. We offer our deepest thanks to first responders and support to workmates who may be traumatised by the events.

“Union safety inspectors are at the site to conduct a thorough investigation, we will ensure no stone is left unturned in understanding what has occurred and preventing future fatalities and injuries.”

Mr O’Brien is the 24th worker to lose his life in a mining accident in the past decade in Queensland.

It’s the second fatal incident at the Saraji South coal mine over the past five years.

Allan Houston was killed in 2018 after he drowned in a pool of mud after the bulldozer he was operating rolled down an embankment in the mine.

Luke O’Brien died after he was pinned between a ute and B Double fuel tanker at the Saraji mine on January 15. Picture: Supplied

The mining operator face court action over alleged breaches of workplace health and safety obligations.

Resources Safety and Health Queensland CEO Rob Djukic said a full-scale investigation was under way into the latest death at the Central Queensland mine.

“As soon as we were notified of the incident, we launched an investigation sending multiple investigators and inspectors from our Serious Incident Investigation Unit and Coal Inspectorate to the site,” Mr Djukic said.

“We’d like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of the victim, his friends and his co-workers.”