A Heartbreaking Tragedy: The Community Mourns with Tearful Tributes to the Worker Who Lost His Life Following a F@tal Accident at a Coal Mine in the Upper Hunter Region
A worker has died after being hit by a truck at an Upper Hunter coal mine.
The fatality occurred at the United Wambo Open Cut mine, approximately 23 kilometres west of Singleton.
Emergency services were called to the site shortly after 1:00pm, where they located a man, believed to be in his 50s, who had been hit by a truck.
The man, who is yet to be formally identified, could not be revived.
The mine is a joint venture between mining companies Glencore and Peabody.
In a statement, CEO Peter Sharpe said it was “tragic news”.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues,” he said.
“Our immediate focus is on providing support to the worker’s family and our employees.”
Glencore said emergency services and police were on site, and mining operations were being suspended.
The Mining and Energy Union’s Northern Mining and NSW Energy District president Robin Williams said the union was sending condolences to the worker’s loved ones.
“Every worker has the right to come home safely at the end of every shift,” he said.
“Any workplace fatality is one too many.
“Right now, the focus needs to be on supporting the workforce and respecting the privacy of the family.”
Mr Williams said a union safety officer was on site investigating.
“It’s important the relevant authorities are given the time and space to conduct a thorough investigation so the circumstances of this tragedy can be fully understood,” he said.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said it was an “absolute tragedy” for the community.
“This is a tight-knit community and a lot of people will know that particular worker and be hurting.
“This is a reminder that these are potentially dangerous workplaces and we have to do everything we can to make sure they are safe,” he said.
The incident occurred on the same day the NSW Minerals Council’s Mining Health, Safety, Environment and Community conference kicked off in the Hunter Valley.
Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said it was a “sombre reminder” of the importance of workplace safety.
“The thoughts of tens of thousands of miners across NSW will tonight be with the family and colleagues of the deceased,” he said.
SOURCE: ABC
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-03/miner-dies-after-truck-crash-at-united-wambo-colliery/106991374
