Rodney Stevens

A man who grew up in Iluka has been revealed as the victim of a fatal workplace incident when he died after being crushed by a bulldozer near a Queensland coal mine.

Darrin Blanche, 55, was killed at a construction site near the intersection of Ridge Road and Tarong Power Station Road at Tarong, Queensland just before 9am on Wednesday, October 4.

Mr Blanche was working on a bulldozer at a Powerlink worksite near the Meandu coal mine in Queensland’s South Burnett region when it is understood a bulldozer rolled down an embankment on the site and crushed him.

Despite the best efforts of co-workers, Mr Blanche suffered critical injuries and died at the scene.

It is believed Mr Blanche was doing contract work on behalf of Downer to relocate transmission assets.

Known to family and friends as a real character, Mr Blanche had a reputation for his funny antics, jokes and pranks according to those who knew him well.

News of Mr Blanche’s tragic death circulated on social media pages, with friends paying tribute to the former local.

His sister Julie Everson paid tribute to Mr Blanche, saying “our lives are richer for all having been a part of his”.

“On Wednesday the 4th October we lost our beloved brother, son and father and uncle – Darrin in a workplace accident,” she posted.

“His love of life was as big as his cheeky smile.

“We have all shared in his mischievousness, jokes and pranks.

“He had a heart of gold and leaves a hole in ours knowing he has gone.”

“So sorry to hear this Julie…condolences to you and family and friends…RIP Darrin,” Judy Clegg wrote.

“Sending hugs. Sorry for ya loss. Darrin is a top bloke, always made me laugh heaps. He will be missed. RIP Darrin,” wrote Jamie Payne.

Friends and relatives of Mr Blanche, who was living at Shannon Vale near Glen Innes at the time of his passing, gathered at the Club Hotel in Glen Innes last Saturday to celebrate his life and to reminisce about their good times and memories of Darrin.