AUTHORITIES are investigating an incident at an Albury quarry which sprayed rocks into cars and came close to injuring several people inside an exclusion zone.
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Contractor Hamiltons Blasting Services had recommended people stay 400 to 500 metres away from the blast, but workers and members of the public had been only 300 to 340 metres from the explosion site.
The blast sent flyrock into the air, which damaged three vehicles parked a short distance from where people were standing.
The NSW Resources Regulator said seven people were at risk of being hit by the rocks and seriously injured.
The regulator released an initial report into the incident on Monday.
An image from video footage shows extensive damage to one four-wheel-drive.
The incident at the quarry, which is run by Burgess Earthmoving, occurred on April 10 last year but was not reported until September 7, which the regulator said was outside of the required reporting period.
The quarry uses a drill and blast technique to extract aggregates, rocks and road base.
The operator did not return calls to The Border Mail on Wednesday.
IN OTHER NEWS:
David Hamilton of Hamiltons Blasting Services said he did not want to comment on the matter.
The regulator said the cause of the incident had not yet been determined.
“Mine operators are reminded that appropriate systems must be in place to review and audit the explosives control plan and blasting work practices to ensure that exclusion zone requirements are enforced,” a release said.
“No persons should remain within exclusion zones during blasting activities.”
The investigation is ongoing.
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