The New South Wales Major Investigations and Emergency Response Unit was looking into an incident in which a worker’s private vehicle left the road and collided with the mine entry gate.

The incident occurred at about 3.50pm on Saturday, December 24.

The mine and access road experienced a storm on the day, with heavy rain and hail contributing to poor driving and road conditions.

The worker had completed his shift and left the site in his private vehicle, travelling with a co-worker.

The workers reported that heavy rain and hail increased as they drove off site. The bad weather resulted in poor visibility and slippery conditions on the sealed access road.

The worker lost control of his Mitsubishi Triton dual cab on the road surface as it travelled downhill toward the mine entry gate.

The vehicle aquaplaned, and slid forward and sideways off the road onto the grass verge and sloping embankment.

It continued to travel almost 60 m while the worker tried to gain control before it collided with the open gate.

The gate speared the front of the vehicle, passing through the engine bay and cabin firewall into the driver’s area.

The gate travelled between the worker’s legs and collided with the cushion of the bucket seat he

was sitting on. The gate continued into the rear of the cabin, stopping at the backseat.

The impact and momentum caused the vehicle to roll onto the passenger side, crushing a road sign.

The vehicle came to rest about 5m past the entry gate’s normal position.

The passenger was able to climb out of the overturned vehicle and other workers, who were leaving the mine, came to their assistance.

The driver was left sitting on the metal gate, with his leg trapped in the cabin.

The mine’s rescue team, NSW Ambulance, NSW Fire and Rescue, and NSW Police responded to the incident.

The worker was freed and removed from the vehicle by NSW Fire and Rescue. Both workers were examined and treated by NSW Ambulance officers.

“Mine operators should consider site rules for mine and private vehicles entering and leaving the mine; erect signs specifying speed and road conditions; and monitor, inspect and audit entry roads to ensure safe conditions,” the report states.

 

“Driving in wet and slippery conditions can be very dangerous. Drivers should drive according to the road conditions and at a safe speed; reduce speed when visibility is poor; and stop in very heavy rain and wait for the rain to ease.”