Worker loses hand in blasting accident

TWO separate investigations have been launched into a weekend blast incident in which a mine worker lost his right hand.

The worker at the zinc lead Arcon Mines Ltd in Galmoy along the Kilkenny-Tipperary border is still in hospital at St James's in Dublin following the incident on Saturday.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said an investigator was on site since Monday. Local mine superintendent Mike Lowther confirmed yesterday that the company had launched a separate investigation into the accident, which involved a man from Tullaroan in Co Kilkenny.

He said a member of staff was injured in a blasting accident when a detonator exploded prematurely.

"One worker sustained a hand injury and is currently at St James's Hospital. This incident has shocked everybody on site," he said.

"We have had no serious accident on site for years."