Arabic version: وفاة تود راسل، الناجي من انهيار منجم بيكونسفيلد، عن 54 عاماً

According to The Guardian, Beaconsfield mine collapse survivor Todd Russell has died aged 54 after recently announcing deteriorating health. Earlier in November, Russell said he would return home to “see out his days” with friends and family.

Russell and co-worker Brant Webb became the focus of global attention in 2006 after a minor earthquake triggered a collapse at Tasmania’s Beaconsfield goldmine. Miner Larry Knight was killed, while Russell and Webb were initially presumed dead before workmates heard their faint cries days later.

Rescuers found the two men alive five days after the collapse, trapped in a safety cage almost a kilometre underground. They survived on a shared cereal bar and water seeping through rock before food could be sent down a pipe. After two weeks underground, they emerged and embraced loved ones.

Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff led tributes, writing that the disaster was “two weeks that stopped a nation”. He said Russell continued serving at the Beaconsfield fire brigade until February, completing what Rockliff described as an exemplary 31-year career of community service.

Russell had spoken publicly about PTSD and depression following the disaster. The Beaconsfield Fire Brigade said he had dedicated his time and service to the brigade and community, leaving a legacy for those who served alongside him. Webb said the experience had brought the pair very close and expressed sympathy for Russell’s family.