Explosives expert injured in hillside blast.

(From Aberdeen Press & Journal (UK))

An Explosives expert suffered "significant" injuries and burns in an accident at a north-east mine-clearance company yesterday.

John Belchamber, managing director of Aberdeenshire-based Clearway Explosives Services, was said to have been burned and received arm and leg injuries while working with devices on a rural hillside.

Mr Belchamber, who is believed to be in his 60s and lives at Ballogie, Aboyne, was flown by air ambulance helicopter after managing to call for help on his mobile phone.

The former Royal Navy mine clearance diver was working with explosives on land at Aardvark Clear Mine, two miles west of Insch, when the small explosion went off around noon.

Managing director of Aardvark, David Sadler, said Mr Belchamber's injuries were not life-threatening and that no limbs had been lost. He said: "He was working up the hill disposing of explosives when it happened. He was conscious and called for help." The secluded site, by Shevock Farm, sits just yards back from the Aberdeen-Inverness railway line and gained access to by a private level crossing from the B9002 Insch road.

Closest neighbour, Vivienne Teaukura, said she heard a bang and saw a plume of smoke rise above trees.