Box Flat Mine Disaster 1972

The Box Flat Mine disaster occurred on the 31 July 1972 when 17 miners lost their lives after an underground explosion following a major mine fire which had developed from Spontaneous Combustion. 14 men who were underground in #7 Mine with an intention to seal intake drifts between the two mines and three miners who were working to remove belt structure in preparation to seal the conveyor roadway in #5 mine. A Mines Rescue volunteer who was standing in the Deputy Cabin near the entrance to #7 Mine (along with 20 other persons) suffered severe injuries and died during surgery approximately 18 months later.

The incident was the worst mining disaster in Ipswich's history.  After the explosion the mine closed and the tunnel's entrances were sealed.  The miners' bodies were never retrieved from the mine.

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