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Peak Downs miner remembered as “kind-hearted larrikin” after fatal Queensland mine tragedy - Moranbah, QLD
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Family, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to mining worker Andreas “Andrew (Carpet)” Loizou, who died in a vehicle collision at the Peak Downs coal mine, describing him as a kind-hearted mate with an infectious...
Tributes have continued to flow for Andreas “Andrew (Carpet)” Loizou, the mining worker who lost his life in a tragic incident at Peak Downs Mine near Moranbah in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
Mr Loizou died on 24 July 2026 after a haul truck collided with a light vehicle on an access road at the BMA-operated coal mine. He was travelling as a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the incident. Another worker sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Following the tragedy, colleagues, friends and members of the mining community described Mr Loizou as a “kind-hearted larrikin” who always brought laughter to those around him. A memorial fundraiser established through Miners' Promise, a charity supporting families affected by mining fatalities, has been launched to assist his partner, Amy, during the difficult period ahead.
Messages shared by friends remembered Mr Loizou for his positive attitude, generosity and willingness to help others. Many said he was known throughout the Bowen Basin mining community for his friendly personality and infectious smile.
The fatal collision occurred shortly before 5:00am on an internal haul road at the mine. Initial investigations indicate the light vehicle was involved in a collision with a large haul truck. Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), Queensland Police and the mining operator immediately began investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Peak Downs Mine is owned by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and is one of Queensland's largest metallurgical coal operations. In response to the incident, BMA suspended operations across its Bowen Basin mine sites for 24 hours to allow workers time to reflect, support affected colleagues and cooperate with investigators.
Queensland Mining and Energy Union representatives expressed condolences to Mr Loizou's family and called for renewed efforts to improve mine safety. Union officials said every worker deserves to return home safely after every shift and urged the industry to continue strengthening safety systems and vehicle management practices.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland has also issued a safety alert reminding mine operators to review haul road traffic management plans, vehicle operating procedures and critical safety controls while investigations continue.
The tragedy is reported to be the third mining fatality in Central Queensland during 2026 and the first fatal incident at Peak Downs Mine in approximately 40 years. The incident has prompted renewed discussion across the resources sector about heavy vehicle safety, haul road operations and the importance of maintaining strict risk controls.
A community vigil and minute's silence have been held in Moranbah to honour Mr Loizou's memory. Friends, family members and fellow miners gathered to remember his life while offering support to those affected by the tragedy.
Investigations into the cause of the collision remain ongoing.
MineQueenslandMiningSafetyIncident
Tributes have continued to flow for Andreas “Andrew (Carpet)” Loizou, the mining worker who lost his life in a tragic incident at Peak Downs Mine near Moranbah in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
Mr Loizou died on 24 July 2026 after a haul truck collided with a light vehicle on an access road at the BMA-operated coal mine. He was travelling as a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the incident. Another worker sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Following the tragedy, colleagues, friends and members of the mining community described Mr Loizou as a “kind-hearted larrikin” who always brought laughter to those around him. A memorial fundraiser established through Miners' Promise, a charity supporting families affected by mining fatalities, has been launched to assist his partner, Amy, during the difficult period ahead.
Messages shared by friends remembered Mr Loizou for his positive attitude, generosity and willingness to help others. Many said he was known throughout the Bowen Basin mining community for his friendly personality and infectious smile.
The fatal collision occurred shortly before 5:00am on an internal haul road at the mine. Initial investigations indicate the light vehicle was involved in a collision with a large haul truck. Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ), Queensland Police and the mining operator immediately began investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Peak Downs Mine is owned by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and is one of Queensland's largest metallurgical coal operations. In response to the incident, BMA suspended operations across its Bowen Basin mine sites for 24 hours to allow workers time to reflect, support affected colleagues and cooperate with investigators.
Queensland Mining and Energy Union representatives expressed condolences to Mr Loizou's family and called for renewed efforts to improve mine safety. Union officials said every worker deserves to return home safely after every shift and urged the industry to continue strengthening safety systems and vehicle management practices.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland has also issued a safety alert reminding mine operators to review haul road traffic management plans, vehicle operating procedures and critical safety controls while investigations continue.
The tragedy is reported to be the third mining fatality in Central Queensland during 2026 and the first fatal incident at Peak Downs Mine in approximately 40 years. The incident has prompted renewed discussion across the resources sector about heavy vehicle safety, haul road operations and the importance of maintaining strict risk controls.
A community vigil and minute's silence have been held in Moranbah to honour Mr Loizou's memory. Friends, family members and fellow miners gathered to remember his life while offering support to those affected by the tragedy.
Investigations into the cause of the collision remain ongoing.
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