Man Down Hunter Valley Mine Shaft

UPDATED 5:56pm – This is a breaking news article – it will be edited with the latest info shortly.

Emergency services are currently engaged in a significant search and rescue operation in the Hunter Valley after a man reportedly fell into a disused mine shaft at the old Austar Coal Mine in Ellalong.

Around 12:45 pm today, authorities were alerted to a workplace incident on Dry Creek Road. Initial reports suggest that the man accidentally fell into an abandoned mine shaft while on the premises of the former coal mine.

Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District are coordinating the search effort, with assistance from NSW Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, and Fire and Rescue NSW. The operation is expected to be prolonged as teams work meticulously to locate and assist the individual.

UPDATE: A body has been located.

A police spokesperson stated that more details will be provided as they become available. Local residents and commuters are advised to heed instructions from emergency personnel and anticipate increased activity and possible delays in the area.

The old Austar Coal Mine has been inactive for several years, but the site remains a point of concern due to the presence of decommissioned infrastructure like mine shafts. Authorities are reminding the public to exercise caution around such sites.