Massive Rock Incident in Halifax's Spryfield Neighborhood

In Halifax's Spryfield neighborhood, residents are sounding the alarm over the dangers posed by ongoing blasting activities from construction sites on Herring Cove Road. This concern escalated after a dramatic incident involving Thiago Andrade, who narrowly escaped a potentially lethal encounter with a falling rock.

Narrow Escape

On October 4, while working from home, Andrade experienced a chilling tremor that can only be described as alarming. "I heard this huge shake. About 10 seconds after the shake, I heard this kind of noise, as if something had hit the house," he recounted. The source of his fright? A large rock that landed on his driveway, narrowly missing his vehicle and front steps. Andrade estimates the rock weighed around one pound, but he acknowledges that such an object could easily cause serious injury or worse.

Safety Concerns

"This kind of incident could have been fatal," he stressed, emphasizing the dire consequences of inadequate safety measures. Following this incident, Consbec Mining and Construction, the company behind the blasting, received a stop work order. However, Andrade believes this response is insufficient: "Clearly, they used more explosives than they should have... That’s stuff that cannot happen—ever."

Regulatory Oversight

The regulatory oversight of the blasting operations has now come under scrutiny. According to Bruce MacNeil from BME Engineering, the monitoring company tasked with ensuring compliance with Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) bylaws, an investigation is already underway to determine the origins and responsibilities behind the rock's explosive trajectory.

Community Response

Andrade has reported that both provincial and municipal authorities are now involved in this investigation, heightening the sense of urgency around public safety in the area. Residents are calling for a more proactive engagement from the construction companies and local government, especially in the wake of hazardous situations like these.

Widespread Frustration

The concerns extend beyond Andrade’s home. Nearby resident William Addai voiced his frustrations, citing the unbearable noise that disrupts his family’s daily life. "We’ve considered moving. It’s just too much sometimes," Addai admitted. He expressed that the community deserves better communication and involvement rather than passive-flyer notifications about blasting schedules.

Growing Fear Among Residents

Local feedback emphasizes a growing fear among residents over the impact of blasting, and more questions are raised about safety protocols in place to protect the community members. As the investigation unfolds, residents are left hoping for decisive actions to ensure the safety and well-being of their neighborhood. Will the authorities take the necessary steps to prevent such life-threatening incidents in the future? The community is eager for answers and change.