Communities Honour Andreas "Andrew" Loizou Following Tragic Mine Site Fatality

Members of the Moranbah community gathered at the Moranbah Miners Memorial to honour Andreas "Andrew" Loizou, with the Queensland Mines Rescue Service among the many individuals and organisations who came together to pay their respects following the tragic Peak Downs Mine incident. Photos supplied

‍

The Moranbah community, alongside the wider Bowen Basin, Queensland and Australia's resources sector, has united in support following the death of a mine worker at Peak Downs Mine last Friday, as investigations into the incident continue.

‍

Andreas ‘Andrew’ Loizou tragically lost his life following an incident at the BMA-operated Peak Downs Mine in the early hours of Friday, 24^th July. Early reports indicated a light utility vehicle collided with a haul truck shortly before 5am.  

‍

Mr Loizou, who was travelling as a passenger in the utility, was declared deceased at the scene, while another man was transported to Moranbah Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

Authorities have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which remain ongoing at the time of print.

‍

In a statement released on the morning of the tragedy, Thiess confirmed Mr Loizou's identity with the permission of his family.

‍

‍

“Early this morning, there was an incident at the Peak Downs Mine that resulted in the passing of one of our team members, Andreas ‘Andrew’ Loizou, who is being named with the permission of his family and loved ones,” the company said.

‍

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Andrew's family, loved ones, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with the tight-knit Bowen Basin mining community and the mining industry more broadly.”

‍

Thiess said its immediate focus remained on supporting those impacted, adding that “Safety and wellbeing remains our highest priority” and confirming an investigation into the incident had begun.

‍

Following the tragedy, operations were paused across BMA's Central Queensland mines, with work suspended for 24 hours while authorities began their investigation and workers reflected on the loss.

As news of the incident spread, an outpouring of support emerged from across the mining industry, local communities and beyond.

‍

BHP Queensland announced it had established a memorial fund through Miners' Promise to support Mr Loizou's family, with donations from BHP/BMA employees and embedded contractors to be matched at a ratio of 2:1 through the company's Matched Giving Program.

“Our hearts remain with Andreas 'Andrew' Loizou's family, friends and loved ones,” BHP Queensland said.

‍

“We continue to extend our deepest condolences and are working closely with Thiess to ensure those closest to Andrew, along with the other individuals involved, are supported during this incredibly difficult time.”

‍

Mining charity Miners' Promise also launched a memorial fund for Mr Loizou's family.

‍

In its tribute, the organisation said Mr Loizou was a loving partner to Amy, a father, grandfather, son, brother, friend and highly respected mining colleague, remembered as “a larrikin with a kind-hearted soul and an infectious smile”.

Isaac Region Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said, “Our hearts go out to the family, mates & loved ones of Andreas and those whose lives were forever changed today. On behalf of our community- we are just so sorry.”

‍

The ripple effect of support has been felt across mining communities and beyond, and was evident in Moranbah on Friday evening when a memorial service was held at the Moranbah Miners Memorial at 5.15pm. Community members gathered alongside people from across the region to observe a minute's silence in honour of Mr Loizou, his loved ones, and all those affected.

‍

Mackay Life wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to Mr Loizous’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

‍