Cavan man dies in mining explosion in Australia

New South Wales police vehicle. File Picture.

A Cavan man has died, along with a woman in her 20s, in a mining explosion in Australia.

Ambrose Patrick McMullen from Cootehill in Cavan lost his life in the tragedy which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The 59-year-old had been living in Australia with his wife and family for a number of years. 

The explosion happened at the Endeavor Mine in Cobar, New South Wales. 

It is believed that emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 3.45am local time. However, Mr McMullen had died before they arrived.

Rescue workers managed to rescue two women from the scene, one of whom has since died. 

She has been named as Holly Clarke, a 24-year-old miner who was working at the mine, which is situated in her hometown.

The other, who was airlifted to hospital, is said to be suffering from shock and hearing damage. She has been named as MacKenzie Sterling. 

The tragedy is believed to be the first of its kind since 2015.

Mr McMullen, who had been known as ‘Ambie’ in his native Cootehill, is remembered fondly by locals of the area.

It is believed that both Ms Clarke and Mr McMullen were working the night shift when tragedy struck. 

NSW premier Chris Minns and minister for natural resources Courtney Haussos released a joint statement describing it as a “heartbreaking day for the Cobar community”. It comes just months after mining activity in the area resumed in June following the acquisition of the mine by Polymetals in 2023.