A massive dynamite explosion rocked the residential neighborhood of Santa Cruz at about 5:30 pm on Tuesday leaving one man dead and several others injured. Tremors rippled from the epicenter of the blast at the Quarry after which there was a loud explosion. Videos emerging from the incident shows tons of rock and rubble spewing at tremendous speeds, which also resulted in the damage to nearby buildings and vehicles.
Dona Dougall a resident of Santa Elena was prompted by the incident in expressing, “Who in their right mind, would set dynamite to blow up a quarry, in a residential area? A tragedy beyond comprehension!”
Also, another resident Charlie Avella also said, “I live almost a mile away and my house rattled, glass door rattled…thought a bird crashed on the door…”
Mayor Earl Trapp has reported to the media that a company was mining materials for road construction in Santa Elena. According to the Mayor some ten persons were badly wounded.
UDP Chairman Alberto August reporting on the incident, ““Tiger Aggregate a road construction company engaged in road construction in Santa Elena Town, blasted the hillside of a white marl quarry in the Santa Cruz area in the process of mining for material. It is alleged that the explosive technician Mr Timoteo Chiac increased the explosive to a heavier load resulting in the creation of a large crater. The blast resulted in the death of 70 year old Ronald Fredrick Sutherland, the Canadian Manager of Tiger Aggregate Company Ltd. Several houses in the area were damaged.”
