Federal agency issues citations to quarry blasting company

WESTERLY, R.I. (AP) — The federal government has cited a Massachusetts blasting company for its role in a Rhode Island quarry blast that injured two workers and damaged nearby buildings.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, says it has issued two citations to Uxbridge’s A-1 Drilling & Blasting for violations of federal regulations. The Westerly Sun reports potential monetary penalties have not yet been issued.

In May, two town workers who had pulled off to a roadside were injured when chunks of granite flew away from the blast site and smashed through the rear window of their trick. Town buildings were also damaged by granite.

Christopher Keefe, the A-1 employee who conducted the May 23 blast, said he could not comment without permission.