Emerald mine tragedy: Graham Dawson mourned by family, colleagues

Loved ones, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to a worker who lost his life in a mine collapse in central Queensland.

A man who was killed when an underground mine collapsed in central Queensland has been remembered by friends and colleagues as a “top bloke and larrikin”.

Graham Dawson, 60, was undertaking roof support work at the Sojitz Gregory Crinum Coalmine on Lilyvale Rd near Emerald on Tuesday night when the mine collapsed.

Paramedics treated Mr Dawson but he died at the scene.

A 25-year-old man suffered crush injuries to his legs and pelvis and was trapped for over four hours before he was eventually freed by emergency services.

Graham Dawson, 60, was killed on Tuesday night in a mine collapse near Emerald. (Facebook image)

Mr Dawson’s loved ones told The Courier-Mail they were “broken” by his death, while colleagues and friends said that they were “shocked at the news”.

“Another good man lost to the mining industry, condolences to the Dawson family,” one friend wrote on Facebook.

Another wrote: “Can’t believe you have passed mate. You were one of the best deputies I ever had. If we did well we celebrated, if we did wrong you kicked us up the a---.”

CFMEU Queensland district vice-president Shane Brunker said his condolences and thoughts went out to the family of the deceased and injured miners.

Originally published as Emerald mine tragedy: Graham Dawson mourned by family, colleagues