Tragedy strikes at Port Kembla Steelworks
A young contractor in his mid-20s has died in a fatal industrial incident at BlueScope Steelworks in Port Kembla, sending shockwaves through the Illawarra community. The tragedy occurred on Monday, November 18, 2025, when emergency services were called to the Springhill Road site around 10:30am following reports of a serious workplace accident.
Details of the fatal incident
According to BlueScope, the man was fatally struck by a steel beam that fell while being lifted by a crane. Despite the rapid response from emergency services, the worker could not be saved and died at the scene. The Mercury understands the contractor was working on the $1.15 billion reline project of the No.6 blast furnace when the incident occurred.
SafeWork NSW was immediately notified about the workplace fatality and inspectors attended the steelworks site to begin their investigation. A comprehensive report will be prepared for the Coroner as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances that led to this devastating outcome.
Community and political leaders respond
The tragic death has prompted strong reactions from local MPs and community leaders, who unanimously emphasized that every worker deserves to return home safely at the end of each day.
Federal MP for Cunningham Alison Byrnes expressed her heartbreak, stating: "Everyone who goes to work deserves to come home safely and this is absolutely tragic. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and colleagues of the worker who has sadly died at BlueScope."
Keira MP Ryan Park acknowledged that while steelmaking has become significantly safer over time, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks industrial workers face daily. "Today's tragedy is a reminder of the risks working men and women face every day," Mr Park said. "It also highlights to all of us why workplace safety must remain the highest priority for all concerned."
Wollongong MP Paul Scully echoed these sentiments, noting that while such incidents are less frequent than in the past, they underscore why workplace safety cannot be taken for granted. Mr Scully also pointed out that this tragedy would deeply impact all workers and families connected to the steelworks.
Whitlam MP Carol Berry and the South Coast Labour Council also offered their sympathies to the young man's family, friends, and workmates, describing the event as a profound tragedy for the entire community.
The investigation into this workplace fatality continues as the Illawarra region mourns the loss of another worker in one of Australia's most vital industrial heartlands.
