On Friday a police spokeswoman told CIN’S sister publication International Longwall News a ute collided with heavy machinery at about 11.40am with the driver dying at the scene. She said the Queensland Department of Mines and Energy will be investigating the incident along with police. BHP has since advised the man, John Barker, was an employee of Nixon Communications working at Blackwater Mine. “Operations at the site have been suspended,” BHP said in a statement. “The immediate family has been notified, and BMA is providing priority assistance to them and all people at the mine. Our immediate thoughts are with the family.” BHP said more details will be issued as they become available.
