Irishman dies at tourist attraction in Australia

An Irish man has died following an accident in the Australian mining town of Mount Isa.

Local police say Kevin Browne (27) slipped and fell to his death from rigging at a replica mine in the the Hard Times tourist attraction over the weekend.

Having reportedly spent Saturday night out with friends in the outback Queensland town, Mr Browne was reported missing early yesterday morning after failing to return home.

His body was found by members of the public at around 11.30am yesterday.

Superintendent Russell Miller from the Mount Isa police force said it is not known how Mr Browne gained access to the site.

"There is a six-foot high chain wire fence around the perimeter but it would appear that he has been able to gain entry," Supt Miller told ABC radio.

“At this point in time it appears there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. It’s just an unfortunate accident it would appear at this stage.”

The police are preparing a report for the coroner.

“We are still looking for anyone who may have seen a male in the vicinity, probably around about midnight on Saturday night,” he said.

“We would like to talk to anyone who may have seen someone in that area.

“We are still trying to piece together his movements prior to him being found and there may well have been someone driving past at that time of night that saw someone near the Hard Times mine.”

Supt Miller said Mr Browne would also have had to scale security barriers to get up to the mining gantry and that he may have slipped.

Mr Browne’s partner, who lives in Mount Isa, and his family in Ireland have been informed of his death.

Some of Mr Browne's relatives are reportedly on their way from Ireland to Australia.

The Irish Embassy in Canberra is providing consular assistance.