Man charged after co-worker impaled during alleged fight

September 23, 2026 — 5:01pmA 53-year-old man has been arrested after an alleged physical fight at a worksite north of Toowoomba left his co-worker impaled on a 35-centimetre piece of metal bar.About 9am last Thursday, the two men had been atop a platform on Escarpment Avenue in Cabarlah, about 20 kilometres north of Toowoomba and 150 kilometres west of Brisbane, police said.A 26-year-old fell from the platform after the pair allegedly had an argument that turned physical.He landed on a piece of metal bar that stabbed him in the abdomen through the back, paramedics said.The 26-year-old, from Crows Nest, was rushed to Toowoomba Hospital in a life-threatening condition.He was later discharged, and paramedics reported no other injuries.On Wednesday morning, police arrested the 53-year-old worker, charging him with one count of grievous bodily harm. He was expected before Toowoomba Magistrates Court in mid-October.In a statement, Queensland police said it was continuing to investigate the incident, with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland also investigating.Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.More:Queensland PoliceWorkplace safetyToowoombaBrisbaneEmergency servicesFrom our partners