Coal mine victim found upside down in excavator stairway
Details emerge about the death of the sixth Queensland miner in a year killed in a workplace accident.
The young but experienced pitman who became the sixth Queensland miner in a year to die in a workplace accident was found upside down in an excavator stairway with serious injuries to his head, face and limbs.
Jack Gerdes’ employer, contractor Golding, released a statement last night, confirming his identity and revealing details about the tragic incident that has become the catalyst for industry and government action on mine safety.
He was found by a colleague at the Baralaba North Coal Mine, northwest of Gladstone in the Bowen Basin, about 2am Sunday.
Early investigations indicate Mr Gerdes, 27, became stuck between an excavator he was working on and safety rails on the excavator’s stairs and became injured as the stairs descended.
Golding said the information was being released with the permission of Mr Gerdes’ family.
“While the investigation is ongoing and we continue to work closely with the relevant authorities, we are now able to provide some additional information regarding this incident,” the company said.
“It is believed that Mr Gerdes became caught between the body of the excavator and the safety rails of the stairs, sustaining injuries as the stairs descended.
“At this point, it remains unclear as to how this sequence of events occurred and this remains the focus of the investigation. No other mining equipment or personnel were involved.”
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Mr Gerdes had worked at the North Baralaba mine since December 2018 but was “an experienced mining operator” who had worked for the company on another project for several years.
A colleague drove him to an excavator in the open mining pit about 1.30am on Sunday where he was to “commence waste mining activities”.
“The operator of the first truck to present for loading received no response from Mr Gerdes and exited the truck to check on him,” Golding said.
“Subsequently the truck operator initiated the emergency response.
“Emergency responders attended the scene quickly and found Mr Gerdes on the stairs of the excavator with injuries to his head, face and limbs.”
The injured man was taken to Baralaba Hospital, 5km away.
The mine site was immediately shut down and remains so as the investigation into the incident continues.
It is expected that mining operations will recommence on Wednesday.
Golding chief executive Geoff Caton visited Mr Gerdes’ family and partner on Monday.
“We are committed to working with the authorities in every way possible in their investigation process,” Mr Caton said.
“I’d like to reiterate our deepest condolences to Jack’s family, friends and workmates during this very difficult time.”