Emergency crews are engaged in a critical search for a missing miner following a significant roof collapse at a major Queensland coal operation. The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, has left one worker unaccounted for and potentially trapped deep underground.
Rescue Operation Underway at Curragh Mine
Police were alerted to the incident at the Curragh coal mine in Central Queensland around 3pm on Friday. The site, located north of Blackwater and roughly 200 kilometres west of Rockhampton, is the scene of an intensive rescue effort.
The missing worker is believed to have been inside the mine at the time of the collapse. Authorities fear the individual could be trapped as far down as one kilometre underground, complicating rescue efforts.
Two Workers Safely Recovered
In a positive development amidst the crisis, two other workers were successfully recovered from the mine following the structural failure. Queensland police confirmed on Saturday morning that one of these individuals was transported to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Tony Perrett, Queensland’s acting minister for Natural Resources and Mines, stated that emergency service and rescue crews remained on site and were doing everything possible to locate the missing man. "My thoughts are with all of those involved, their loved ones, the entire mining community," Perrett said.
History and Scale of the Mining Site
The Curragh coal mine is a substantial operation, covering approximately 256 square kilometres across two separate mines. The site has been in continuous operation since 1983, forming a key part of the region's industrial landscape.
Rescue crews are set to continue their painstaking search operation throughout Saturday. The focus remains on locating the missing worker while ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the rescue mission.
