As word spread of a major incident in the coal mining industry in Queensland, dozens of families waited anxiously to hear if their loved ones were safe.
Last Wednesday, five men received significant burns when gas ignited at the Grosvenor Mine, near Moranbah in the Bowen Basin.
They remain in a Brisbane hospital, with four in a critical condition.
The ABC interviewed two women, both wives of miners and mothers of two children, who requested anonymity for fear their husbands' jobs might be jeopardised by speaking out.
One woman found the news of the blast upsetting — her husband worked at the same mine, but was not on shift that day.
"Sending him to work underground is pretty nerve-racking on a normal day," she said.
The mother of two said the incident had made her family, and many others, reconsider working in the industry.
"My husband and I have sat down and spoken about the incident and he's spoken about whether he wants to go back underground," she said.
Their concerns about the risks involved with underground mining are shared by other families.
"My husband works on the surface and it's still scary, but not as scary if he was underground," another woman said.
"I'm okay with him being with mining and happy that he's above ground.
"I've always said that I don't want him to go underground. He's been offered it and I've said no.
The anxious wait
Those with loved ones in the mining industry said the minutes after news breaks of an incident are terrifying.
"We always try and find out quickly which mine it is, and if our partners, husbands or friends are on shift.
"Then you find out they're okay — even if it's not your family member, it could be a friend or someone you know."
For former paramedic, Ness Murison, the sound of sirens and then planes and helicopters sends a chill down her spine.
"There's then a feeling of comradery, there's a feeling of despair and sadness.
"Hearing the sirens does trigger things, and I know how significant those injuries would be — I know what significant burns look like."
The ripple effect
The coal mining sector and the surrounding communities are tight-knight, with many describing them as being more like a family.
Anne Baker, Mayor of the Isaac region, which is home to 26 coal mines, said an event like the explosion at the Grosvenor Mine affects everyone.
Councillor Baker said the night of the incident was tough for the community.
"Anyone that comes into our region is part of our community, part of our family, and there's no more strength than that in a mining community."
Councillor Baker said it put sharp focus on the dangers faced by those working in the sector.
"All miners should feel safe and all families should expect nothing less than their loved ones going to work and to come home safely," she said.
Community support
The recent incident highlighted the strength of mining communities.
Geoff and Ness Murison moved to Moranbah in 2012 and initially planned to stay there for about a year, but they fell in love with the area.
"One year turned into two, and then eight and a bit, and this is our home now," Mr Murison said.
"We love the sense of community and support — and when something like this happens, it shakes us, rocks us, frightens us.
Mr Murison said the effects were not just felt by those that worked at the mine.
"You don't have to be a mining business or a coal miner to be affected by this."
Quick response
In an effort to help the community deal with the incident, Lifeline has set up a community outreach service.
The Murisons, who own and operate Greatest Version Strength gym in the town, have also started offering free 'walk and talk' sessions to help people process what happened.
"We've put it out there as a casual thing … come for a walk and have a chinwag," Ms Murison said.
"This isn't about counselling, although that's the underlying current. It's just about getting out and having a walk and a chitchat.
"If it comes up, it comes up."
She said in the last week there had been a strong push to let people know there was help available.
"We already have 15 volunteers who've said they'll walk with those who want to take up the offer," Ms Murison said.
Shared experience
The wife of a Grosvenor Mine worker said the ability for mining families to chat with someone with an understanding of the sector would be very helpful.
"To have someone to talk to could be very beneficial and it makes a difference, having people that understand," she said.
Mayor Anne Baker said there had already been a strong response to the offer of help and recognition the impact of the incident could be far-reaching.
"There is a willingness to engage in a genuine conversation about our state of mind," she said
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