Work will continue today by a large team of experts from Canterbury Police, WorkSafe NZ and the NZ Fire Service to remove the remaining rock debris in an effort to recover the driver and sole occupant of the excavator.
Inspector Corrie Parnell explained that the team finished work at around 7pm last night as the weather deteriorated and staff began to get fatigued. “Our paramount concern is the safety of those working on this recovery operation. The team reconvened this morning and are continuing the work to recover both the excavator that was engulfed in rock and debris on Monday (8 June 2015) and the driver.”
“While we hope to achieve this today we need to be mindful of the challenging conditions and dynamic environment the recovery team are working in. An ambulance will be on site again today as part of the site risk management plan.”
Canterbury Police and Victim Support are continuing to work with the driver’s family to support them at this extremely emotional time.
“Canterbury Police would like to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of those who have been involved in the operation since the incident on Monday morning” said Inspector Parnell.
Canterbury Police and WorkSafe NZ investigations are ongoing.
A media conference will be held at some point today at the quarry gates. A media advisory will be sent two hours prior to this occurring and those who cannot attend can have the information verbalised by phone after the conference has finished.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404