Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tragic Gold Mine Collapse Claims Beloved Father’s Life
Yesterday, a devastating incident occurred near Ballarat in Victoria when a gold mine collapsed, leading to the tragic death of Kurt Hourigan, a 37-year-old man from Bruthen. The incident has left his family, friends, and colleagues in mourning, as they remember him as a hard-working and loving individual.
The collapse, which took place at the Mount Clear gold mine, saw at least 28 workers narrowly escape injury by seeking refuge in a safety pod. However, two men, including a 21-year-old from Ballarat, were not as fortunate and sustained severe injuries. The entire community was left in shock as emergency crews worked tirelessly to rescue those affected by the collapse.
Rescue Efforts and Community Response
Despite the best efforts of rescue teams, Hourigan’s body was recovered from hundreds of metres underground this morning. The community of Ballarat has come together to support the families of the victims and offer their condolences during this difficult time.
Dozens of police, paramedics, and members of the Country Fire Authority’s Oscar 1 Mine Rescue Team rushed to the scene to assist in the rescue operation. The uninjured workers were stranded in the safety pod for hours before being safely brought to the surface, while Hourigan remained trapped 500 metres underground.
Company Response and Investigation
The Ballarat Gold Mine, where the incident occurred, is not open to the public but has been in operation since the 1850s. Victory Minerals, the company that recently took over the mine, expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their workers and their families.
WorkSafe will conduct an investigation into the incident, while police will prepare a report for the coroner to determine the cause of the collapse. The company has emphasized their focus on safety and expertise in underground mining operations, as they work to bring closure to this tragic event.
As the community grapples with this heartbreaking loss, the memory of Kurt Hourigan will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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