Crash kills Snowy 2.0 worker
A subcontractor on the Snowy 2.0 project has been killed in a tragic accident in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains, according to local reports.
The man, believed to be in his 50s, was driving a B-triple truck carrying pre-cast concrete on the Snowy Mountains Highway when the vehicle crashed, rolled and caught fire at Dry Plain on Monday afternoon.
The driver was trapped in the truck and died at the scene. A crime scene was established and NSW Police have been investigating the cause of the crash.
Snowy Hydro has issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim's family, friends and workmates, and announced that operations at the Snowy 2.0 site had been temporarily halted.
“This is a tragic event and we are supporting our Snowy 2.0 principal contractor, Future Generation Joint Venture, our teams and all those impacted in the community at this very sad and difficult time,” said chief executive Dennis Barnes.
“The welfare of Snowy 2.0 workers are our immediate priority and project operations have temporarily ceased.”
The federal government, which owns the Snowy 2.0 project, also commented on the incident.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said in a statement; “The government expects the highest standards of safety at Snowy 2.0 and all worksites, and will engage closely with Snowy Hydro Limited and unions in the aftermath of this tragic incident”.
Future Generation Joint Venture confirmed it owned the truck and said counselling would be provided to employees.