The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed Cornerstone Company, operated by Istanbul Quarry in the Dutse area of Abuja, after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured students and staff of Graceland High School and damaged school property.
NESREA officials confirmed that the incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. while students were in their classrooms writing examinations.
A sudden blast sent rocks flying into the school compound, destroying buildings and leaving 11 students and two staff members with varying degrees of injuries. Nearby shops were also affected by the impact.
Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, said the agency shut down the quarry for violating the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
He noted that preliminary investigations revealed clear breaches of approved quarry operating procedures.
“The facility will be sanctioned in line with the National Environmental (Quarry and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013 after investigations are concluded,” he said.
NTA NETWORK NEWS
