Tragedy struck at an underground gold mine in Australia’s Victoria state, claiming the life of a 37-year-old worker and leaving another seriously injured, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The incident occurred as rocks collapsed within the confines of the mine, located in Mount Clear, approximately 100 km (62 miles) west of Melbourne. Fortunately, swift action by emergency crews ensured the safety of 28 other workers present at the site.
Reports of a rockfall prompted an immediate response from emergency services to the Ballarat gold mine on Wednesday evening. According to Victoria police, the incident unfolded roughly 3 km beneath the surface, deep within the mine’s passages.
Paramedics swiftly mobilized to the scene and successfully extricated one miner from the perilous situation. The rescued worker, suffering from lower body injuries, was promptly airlifted to a nearby hospital, where they remain in a serious condition. Remarkably, other miners sought refuge in a safety pod and were subsequently rescued via winch, as confirmed by police.
At present, Victory Minerals, the proprietor of the Ballarat gold mine, has not issued any official statements regarding the incident.
The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with mining operations, underscoring the paramount importance of stringent safety protocols to safeguard the lives of workers within the industry.
