Five seriously hurt in explosion at Grosvenor coal mine in Queensland
A rare public board of inquiry could be held into the devastating mine blast that seriously injured five mine workers.
A rare public board of inquiry could be held into yesterday’s devastating blast that critically injured four mine workers and seriously injured another at the Grosvenor coal mine in central Queensland.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk expressed “deep sadness” at the injuries caused to the five mine workers, and said they were receiving expert care in the RBWH burns unit.
“I understand there’s a full investigation underway, some inspectors flew in there yesterday afternoon,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Today I’ve also asked (State Mines Minister Anthony Lynham) to actually fly up to Moranbah to meet with the Mayor and to talk to the community about what has happened there. Dr Lynham is also talking to me about the possibility of setting up a board of inquiry into this tragedy.”
Ms Palaszczuk said she was seeking legal advice about a board of inquiry, which would include public hearings, and Dr Lynham would make a recommendation about it later on today.
Asked why mining safety accidents keep happening in Queensland, Ms Palaszczuk said it was “very tough work and very complex”.
“We need to get to the bottom of what happened here,” she said.
Mining giant Anglo American is “devastated” and baffled by the underground explosion yesterday afternoon.
The five men suffered “significant” burns to their airways and upper torsos after the explosion at the Moranbah mine, and were ventilated and flown to Brisbane’s Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital last night.
Queensland Ambulance Service’s Doug Buchanan said four of the men were critically injured and the fifth was in a serious condition.
The mine site was evacuated and operations at the site are still suspended. Anglo American said it was working with authorities to ensure it’s safe to return underground to start an investigation into the explosion.
Four mines inspectors are expected to be on site today, including the deputy chief inspector.
Anglo American metallurgical coal CEO Tyler Mitchelson said the company’s focus was on supporting the injured men and their families.
“We are all devastated and we don’t yet understand what caused this incident. Once it is safe to return underground, we will commence an expert technical investigation to ensure we understand what has happened,” Mr Mitchelson said.
“We will then work with our regulators and other stakeholders to ensure this type of incident never happens again.
“I would like to sincerely thank the first responders, mines rescue teams and all of the medical personnel involved in helping the injured people.”
Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman Brigette Seymour said a call for help from the mine was received at 3.15pm, and five patients had to be taken to Moranbah hospital in a “serious condition, with significant burns”.
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,” he said.
“The union will do everything possible to support a return to safe conditions at the mine and get to the bottom of what has occurred today.
“Explosions are the worst nightmare for underground coal miners; we will make sure no stone is left unturned.”
Queensland’s resources sector has experienced a horror spate of deaths, with eight workers dying within 18 months in the state’s coalmines and quarries.
Wednesday’s explosion comes after another safety incident at Anglo American’s nearby Moranbah North coking coal mine in January.
No one was injured in the roof collapse, which occurred during development works.
Anglo American blamed the collapse on a “geotechnical issue”.
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