Saraji mine death: Family and friends share emotional tributes for Luke O’Brien

The father of a young Queensland miner tragically killed in a horror crush accident has shared an emotional tribute as his family and friends rally around those mourning the loss of the car racing enthusiast.

Luke O'Brien tragically died after he was pinned between a ute and B Double fuel tanker at Saraji mine on January 15, 2024. Picture: Facebook

The father of Luke O’Brien who was tragically killed in a horror crush incident at Saraji mine has shared an emotional tribute for his son as family and friends rally around the heartbroken family.

“For those that don’t know it is with my broken, sinking and heavy heart that my youngest son Luke O’Brien 27 passed away yesterday after the incident at Saraji Mine,”

Luke’s father Terence O’Brien wrote.

“Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us in this difficult time. Love you mate RIP.”

The 27-year-old BEP Engineering and Maintenance worker and another person had been working in the fuel-bay area of the open cut mine about midday on January 15 when he was pinned between a mining ute and a B Double fuel tanker.

It is understood the fuel tanker had become bogged and Mr O’Brien — of Mackay and who used to live in Ayr — had been between the two vehicles.

Tragically the ute moved backwards instead of forwards and Mr O’Brien suffered fatal crush injuries.

He was taken to Dysart hospital but sadly passed away.

RSHQ has confirmed it is investigating the incident.

Luke O'Brien tragically died after he was pinned between a ute and B Double fuel tanker at Saraji mine on January 15, 2024. Picture: Facebook

Mine operator BMA, who confirmed he was employed with one of its contracting partners, will also investigate the tragedy.

Those who knew Mr O’Brien have been posting tributes for the young man who was described as an “absolute legend”.

RIP#7: TRIBUTES FOR MODIFIED SEDANS RACER

Friends and family also started sharing the tag ‘RIP#7’ on social media, in reference to Luke’s racing number for his modified sedans he took to Queensland tracks including Palmyra, Ayr’s Pioneer Park and Cairns.

“My heart is breaking for you all, I’m so, so sorry. He will be very sadly missed by so many,” one person wrote on a tribute post shared by Luke’s brother Chae O’Brien.

“I’m so sorry… he was an absolute legend,” another said.

He was taken to Dysart hospital but sadly passed away. Picture: Facebook

“He was an amazing young man and we who knew and loved him will be forever better for having him in our lives… he will forever live in our hearts and memories,” a family member said.

“Sorry for your loss to you and your family, Luke will truly be missed by many, it is a privilege having known Luke and being able to call him my friend.”

BMA's Saraji Coal Mine near Moranbah

“Sorry to hear… Luke was an absolute legend… thinking of you and the rest of the family,” another person said.

“A great guy, great fitter and just all round good guy. Still can’t believe it’s real. Absolutely gutted for you guys, one of the nicest genuine families I know… they really do take the good ones.”

As a result BMA suspended operations at all sites on Monday. Work has restarted Tuesday morning at all BMA mines with the exception of Saraji.

It is understood workers at Saraji are being offered counselling support.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our contracting partners was fatally injured following a vehicle incident at Saraji mine yesterday afternoon,” BMA asset president Adam Lancey said.

Originally published as Saraji mine death: Family and friends share emotional tributes for Luke O’Brien