May 6, 2020
Five underground mineworkers from Anglo American’s Grosvenor mine in Moranbah have suffered severe burns and other injuries after an ignition of gas at the longwall tailgate yesterday afternoon.
All other workers on site have been accounted for and production has ceased.
Our Queensland District’s three Industry Safety and Health Representatives are on site. Queensland Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said the mine safety regulator would conduct a thorough investigation into the event, with two mines inspectors arriving on site yesterday and more due to arrive today.
Queensland President Stephen Smyth said the Union would conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the causes, but 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.
“Explosions are the worst nightmare for underground coal miners; we will make sure no stone is left unturned.”
All five workers were airlifted to Brisbane for specialist burns treatment overnight, with four in a critical condition after suffering burns to their upper torsos and airways. They have been intubated and are on ventilators. The fifth worker has stabilised overnight but remains in a serious condition.
Stephen Smyth said Grosvenor mine was known for high levels of methane and concerns had previously been raised over work practices at the site.
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Five miners are fighting for their lives after a mine explosion in central Queensland. #9Today pic.twitter.com/YM77vvndOR
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) May 6, 2020