It is with regret that BHP Billiton Iron Ore advises that an employee, Bob Blake, a track machine operator, aged 56, was fatally injured in a rail accident approximately 74km south of Port Hedland at 3.30am on Tuesday 24 February.

Rail operations remain suspended while port operations will resume. Mining operations continue. The company will offer assistance and support to Bob's family and to those affected at our operations. Our thoughts are with Bob's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

Counselling services have been made available.