Port Kembla fatality as man trapped under beam BlueScope Steel’s number five blast furnace
Emergency services were called to Springhill Road, Port Kembla about 10.30am on Monday following reports that a worker had become trapped.
NSW Ambulance crews arrived to find a man in his 20s, who had been working opposite the Number Five blast furnace Stockhouse, pinned beneath a beam at the BlueScope Steel site. Paramedics were able to free him, but he died at the scene.
Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. SafeWork NSW has also been notified.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A spokesperson from BlueScope told The Nightly, “Their prelimary understanding is that a steel beam beng lifted by a crane has fallen and fatally struck the contractor”.
They continued by saying, “Our immediate priority is supporting our people, the first responders and the family of those involved.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy”.
More information is expected to be released as inquiries continue.
BlueScope Steel began the reline of the dormant blast furnace in 2024, to replace the current number six blast furnace, which is approaching its end of life.
The reline work is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
