This was published 9 months ago
Alcoa worker dies in mine access road crash
By Peter Milne
A 40-year-old Alcoa worker died in a head-on collision on Monday evening when travelling to work along an access road to the Huntly bauxite mine near Pinjarra.
WA Police said in a statement the man riding an Indian motorcycle died at the scene on Myara Road, and a 48-year-old driver of a grey Skoda Octavia hatch was taken by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital.
Police are appealing for dashcam or mobile phone vision of the incident that occurred at about 5.25pm.
Warning signs on Myara Road where public access stops.Credit: Peter Milne
In a note to workers on Tuesday morning, seen by this masthead, Alcoa mine manager Darrin Strange said he was saddened to advise staff of the accident.
Strange said he understood the motorcycle rider was travelling to work when he collided with a car headed in the opposite direction. He said the car driver is not believed to have sustained serious injuries.
“I want to convey my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased person at this most difficult time,” he said.
“Our thoughts are also with these people who assisted immediately following the incident and continued working into the night to provide ongoing support.”
Alcoa first responders provided first aid until St John Ambulance arrived.
Operations at the Huntly mine that supplies bauxite to Alcoa’s Pinjarra and Kwinana alumina refineries were suspended overnight.
The company made counselling available to workers.
“We are supporting authorities in any way we can and will share more information with you as we are able to,” he said.
Acting WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said WorkSafe was liaising with WA Police to determine whether the fatality was mining-related.
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