Canterbury Police can confirm that they have freed the excavator from the fallen rocks which engulfed it on Monday (8 June 2015) morning.
Inspector Corrie Parnell said “Two bulldozers, assisted by another 40 tonne excavator, were used to tow the damaged excavator away from the spill area after in excess of 1500 metric tonnes of rock and debris had been moved as part of a staged and controlled recovery operation. Shortly before 4pm this afternoon the body of a man was recovered from the cab of the damaged excavator believed to be Murray George Taylor from Hurunui. Formal identification is likely to be completed tomorrow.”
The death has been referred to the Coroner who will determine the cause of death.
“Canterbury Police and Victim Support continue to support Murray’s family while they come to terms with the tragic events and emotional rollercoaster they found themselves on this week. They ask for privacy and do not wish to make any further comment at this time.” says Inspector Parnell.
“Today we had in excess of 50 people working on the recovery operation from Canterbury Police, the NZ Fire Service, WorkSafe NZ, geotechnical experts, private contractors operating the heavy machinery and members of the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (Christchurch). No-one was injured during the recovery operation and the ambulance we had on standby has been stood down.”
Canterbury Police and WorkSafe NZ investigations are continuing.
“Now that the recovery operation has been completed there is no access to the quarry which is subject to the prohibition notice issued by WorkSafe NZ” explained Inspector Parnell.
The last media conference will be held at around 5pm this afternoon at the quarry gates. Any media who cannot attend and need the release verbalised should contact the Canterbury Police District Communications Manager.
Canterbury Police will provide an update once formal identification of the body has taken place.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404