Canterbury Police SAR are leading a rescue operation following an industrial incident shortly after 10.40am this morning at a lime quarry on Limeworks Road in Waikari, North Canterbury.
Inspector Corrie Parnell says “We understand that three excavators were being operated in the quarry when the quarry face they were working on subsided. One vehicle, operated by the driver and sole occupant, has been engulfed by falling rocks and debris. Quarry staff, Volunteer Fire Service from Waikari and local Police Officers attempted to locate the man operating the excavator however due to instability of the quarry face the site had to be evacuated for safety reasons.”
WorkSafe NZ have been advised are at the scene.
“Currently there are 25 people on site including SAR specialists from Canterbury Police and Alpine Cliff Rescue together with geotechnical specialists and representatives from Mines Rescue and Worksafe NZ. At this stage I would reiterate this is a rescue operation and Canterbury Police and Victim Support are working with and supporting the man’s family who are understandably upset and worried” explained Inspector Parnell.
Due to the complexity of the physical environment it is difficult to estimate how long the SAR operation will take.
A further update will be provided as/when appropriate.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404