A large-scale rescue mission is continuing at a major Queensland coal mine after a dramatic roof collapse left one worker missing and potentially trapped a kilometre below the surface.
Emergency Response Launched After Roof Failure
Emergency services were called to the Curragh coal mine in Central Queensland at approximately 3pm on Friday following reports of a significant underground collapse. The incident occurred at the extensive site, which is located north of Blackwater, roughly 200km west of Rockhampton.
Authorities confirmed that two workers were recovered safely from the mine in the immediate aftermath. However, one man remains unaccounted for. It is believed he was inside the mine at the time of the collapse and could be trapped as deep as one kilometre underground.
Rescue Efforts Continue Through the Weekend
On Saturday morning, Queensland Police provided an update, stating that one of the rescued workers had been taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The search for the missing miner, however, was ongoing.
Queensland’s acting minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Tony Perrett, said emergency service and specialist rescue crews remained on site and were doing everything possible to locate the man. "My thoughts are with all of those involved, their loved ones, the entire mining community," Perrett stated.
History and Scale of the Curragh Mine Site
The Curragh coal mine is a substantial operation, covering an area of approximately 256 square kilometres across two separate mines. It has been a key part of the region's industry since it first opened in 1983.
Rescue crews are facing a complex and challenging task due to the depth and nature of the collapse. Operations are expected to persist throughout Saturday as teams work meticulously to access the affected area. The entire mining community is holding hope for a positive outcome as the urgent search continues.
