The Federal Government has shut down a quarry facility operated by Istanbul Quarry at Dutse in the Federal Capital Territory after a blasting incident sent flying rocks into a nearby school, injuring pupils and staff.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency confirmed the development in a statement issued by its Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor.
According to the agency, the incident occurred at about 12:30 pm while students of Graceland High School were in their classrooms writing examinations.
The statement explained that a loud explosion from the quarry was followed by flying rocks that crashed into school buildings, causing serious panic and destruction.
At least eleven students and two members of staff were reportedly injured in the incident. Several shops located around the school premises also sustained significant damage from the blast.
Deputy Director of Conservation Monitoring at NESREA, Glory Uboh, said the agency moved in immediately to seal the facility after assessing the situation.
She described the blast as life threatening and a clear violation of the National Environmental Quarrying and Blasting Operations Regulations 2013.
According to her, the quarry known as Cornerstone and managed by Istanbul Quarry will face sanctions as preliminary investigations showed that the operators contravened established quarry operating procedures and safety regulations.
She added that further investigations would continue and assured that the facility would be sanctioned in line with provisions of the law.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over the safety of schools located near quarry sites and the enforcement of environmental and industrial safety standards.
