The collapsed roof of an underground Tieri coal mine claimed the life of a 60-year-old worker, along with seriously injuring his two colleagues.
RACQ CapRescue crew launched into action just after midnight following the tragic news of a mine roof collapse at the Gregory Crinum Mine, northeast of Emerald. A 25-year-old, one of three men working on the roof before it collapsed, was seriously injured in the devasting accident which claimed the life of his 60-year-old colleague. With crush injuries to his legs and pelvis, the 25-year-old underground miner was swiftly airlifted by RACQ CapRescue in a serious but stable condition to Rockhampton Hospital. It is believed that he was trapped in rubble for over four hours before emergency services were able to pull him out.
The third miner to receive injuries from the incident was taken to Emerald Hospital by road ambulance in a stable condition for further treatment.