Father-of-two killed in a horror accident at Peak Downs mine is pictured - as his heartbroken family break their silence

Published: 09:20, 6 August 2026 | Updated: 09:20, 6 August 2026 A father-of-two killed in a Queensland coal mine tragedy has been pictured for the first time and remembered as a kind-hearted larrikin who put everyone before himself. Andreas Loizou, 54, died after a haul truck collided with a light vehicle on an access road at the Peak Downs mine near Moranbah in the Bowen Basin on July 24. Hailing from Emerald in Central Queensland, Mr Loizou had worked in the mines for more than 20 years.  He was a loving partner, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend and highly respected mining colleague. In a statement, Mr Loizou's family thanked the public for the overwhelming support they had received in the last fortnight. 'Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers, messages and support from across the country,' they said.  Mr Loizou's brother Vasili described him as the 'best big brother' who was 'nurturing and loving.' 'There was a 15-year age gap between us, and I remember when I was five or six, he would take me to cricket games,' he told the Daily Mail. Andreas Loizou died in a crash at a Queensland mining site (pictured)  Mr Loizou (right) was a loving partner, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend and highly respected mining colleague Brother Vasili described Andreas (left) as the 'best big brother' 'He always put everyone before himself. He would finish a long shift and still go and visit our elderly mother. He was a genuine and loving person.' The family has launched a fundraiser to support Mr Loizou's two children. 'Jacob and Sophie have lost a deeply loved and devoted father far too soon,' it stated. 'While nothing can ever ease the pain of losing someone so special, we hope to help them as they navigate this unimaginable time of grief. 'Every donation, no matter how big or small, is a meaningful act of kindness and support that will remind them they are not facing this journey alone.' A separate fundraiser launched by Miners' Promise, a charity supporting grieving mining families, has also been established to assist Mr Loizou's family. 'The mining industry experienced another tragic loss with the passing of Andrew ('Carpet') Loizou, a loss that has devastated those who knew and loved him,' the fundraiser states. 'We remember Andrew ('Carpet') Loizou as a larrikin, kind-hearted soul with the most infectious smile.' Two fundraisers have been set up to support Andreas's loved ones Mr Loizou has been remembered as a kind-hearted larrikin who put everyone before himself A second mine worker was injured in the crash at the Peak Downs mine near Moranbah Mr Loizou's death is the third fatal mining incident in Central Queensland in 2026. Queensland Mining and Energy Union industry safety and health representative Stephen Smyth said the industry 'has to do better'.  'We owe these workers more than what's happening at the moment and you know, they should be able to go to work and return home safely without losing their life. It's totally unacceptable.'  A second mine worker was rushed to Moranbah Hospital in a serious but stable condition with chest and leg injuries. Peak Downs is an open-pit coal mine 31 kilometres south-east of Moranbah in Queensland's Bowen Basin. Opened in 1972, it is owned by BMA, a joint venture between BHP and Mitsubishi Development.