Loss weighs heavily a year on from Dugald River tragedy

"Dad should have come home." The words of Angus, 7, sum up the heartache of the space left behind when his father Dylan Langridge and workmate Trevor Davis died in a mining accident in north-west Queensland one year ago. A light vehicle carrying Mr Langridge, 33 from Bundaberg South, and Mr Davis, 36, from Pimpama, fell down a stope at the Dugald River zinc operation, 65km north-west of Cloncurry, on February 15. A rescue mission was made to recover the two Barminco employees, but both died at the scene. "Dad should have been kept safe because now I don't have my dad. I miss him every day," Angus said in a tribute in the lead-up to the anniversary of that loss. "I wish he could see me in my cricket gear." The boy's mum, Kelly Mcburnie, said no words could explain how they felt. But she wanted to highlight the importance of addressing the issue of safety. "These so-called accidents should not occur at all. It makes me sick to think about it. We wish for the safety of all miners in Australia," she said. Related: ‘Tagged Off Too Soon’ tribute to aid grieving families A statement from Mr Davis's family echoed her sentiments: "We miss them incredibly but also want/wish everyone to stay safe at work.” A small, closed service is being held for family members at the MMG-operated mine site. Friend Steve Poznik said workmates would have the chance to honour the men in a later ceremony. "They'll have a ceremony a few hours later, where the whole mine will be invited and work will shut down for the last half of the day," he said. Mr Poznik said mine owner MMG had built an amazing memorial on site for the men. "I've been on mine sites all over Australia, and this is the nicest memorial I've seen dedicated to fallen miners in the workplace," he said. "There's beautiful seating, a garden area with native plants, a bird bath, laser-cutout decorations. It's a beautiful little spot to sit and reflect." A year on, the incident was still fresh in the minds of all who worked with the pair, he said. Dylan's brother James said the family was deeply grateful for the heartfelt words and overwhelming support they had received during this difficult time. "The absence of Dylan's infectious smile and joyful laughter has left a void in our lives. Losing him has meant losing not only a brother but a best friend," James Langridge said.

Loss weighs heavily a year on from Dugald River tragedy

Industry Queensland

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