A 48-year-old man has died in a suspected crane accident at a coal mine in Queensland.
The worker was found unresponsive at the Byerwen mine near Glenden, west of Mackay, about 7.30am today.
Emergency services arrived and declared him dead.
Police have ruled his death non-suspicious.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland chief executive Rob Djukic said initial reports indicate the incident involved a pick and carry crane.
”Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends and colleagues today,” he said.
Brisbane-based company QCoal, who owns the site, said his death has shocked them.
”The death of the long-serving, senior and well-loved member of the QCoal team has shocked the entire organisation,” the company said in a statement.
“We are focused on the support of the family and the affected staff who are obviously devastated by this tragedy.”
An investigation has begun, headed by Resources Safety and Health Queensland with assistance from police.
“We are committing to a thorough investigation but as that is now underway, we will be limited in what we can say going forward,” Djukic said.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
