In brief
An underground explosion at the Endeavor mine in Cobar, New South Wales, resulted in the deaths of a man in his 60s and a woman in her 20s. Emergency services responded swiftly, with one other woman being airlifted due to minor injuries. The local community mourns the loss as investigations are set to begin.
Two people have been killed after an underground explosion at a mine in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW).
Emergency services were called to the Endeavor mine at Cobar, about 700km (435 miles) northwest of Sydney, in the early hours of Tuesday after reports that two people had been critically injured.
Police said a man, in his 60s, was confirmed dead at the scene and two women, both in their 20s, were brought to the surface, but one later died. The second woman was airlifted to hospital for minor injuries including hearing damage and shock.
A report will be prepared for the coroner and an investigation into the incident will be carried out by the state's workplace safety authority.
Cobar Mayor Jarrod Marsden described the situation as absolutely tragic, highlighting the close-knit nature of the mining community.
According to the Endeavor mine's website, the mine had operated continuously from 1982 to 2020, and was bought by Polymetals Resources in 2023. The company was in the process of restarting mining activities for silver, zinc, and lead this year.
NSW Premier Chris Minns extended his condolences to the grieving families and colleagues of the deceased miners, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing vigilance in worker safety amidst improved protocols. The community of Cobar is mourning the loss as the mining industry reflects on the sobering reminder of the hazards present in their work.
