An operator driving a dump truck was hauling waste rock from an open pit to the waste dump. For reasons unknown, the operator failed to negotiate a slight left-hand bend and the truck took a gradual path to the left before colliding with the hard rock windrow.
Tyre marks indicate that the truck’s front and rear left tyres mounted the windrow, and the dump truck rolled onto its right side. There is no evidence of braking before or at the time the truck mounted the windrow.
Two workers nearby heard the collision and one ran over to assist. The operator was still in the driver’s cab (on the upper left side of the truck) and shortly after fell about 3.75 m to the ground from the passenger's side of the cab.
Despite the efforts of work colleagues and the emergency services, the operator died a short time later. A vehicle examination showed the dump truck to be in full working order. The driver’s seat belt was also deemed to be in good working order.
Direct causes
The dump truck mounted the hard rock windrow, changing its centre of gravity and causing it to roll over.
Contributory causes
The investigation is ongoing and contributory causes are yet to be confirmed.