AN investigation has been launched after a man was crushed by a load being hoisted by crane at a North-East quarry.

The 52-year-old contractor suffered back, chest and abdominal injuries in the incident, which happened at Tarmac quarry, in Coxhoe, near Durham City, at about 1.30pm on Wednesday.

He was given emergency medical treatment and pain relief at the scene by a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAA) before being flown to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, in the Penrith-based GNAA helicopter Pride of Cumbria.

Yesterday, the man, who has not been named but is from Stansted, in Essex, was said to be in a stable condition.

A GNAA spokesman said: “When our crew arrived, the road ambulance was already on scene. The patient was not trapped, but had suffered a serious impact and was in a lot of pain.

“Our doctor gave pain relief, allowing for a relatively smooth journey to hospital, where he arrived in a stable condition.”

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the incident. A spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the incident and are making preliminary inquiries.”

Iain Smith, Tarmac’s regional operations director, said: “I can confirm that a contractor was involved in an accident at Coxhoe Quarry yesterday and airlifted to hospital. We are pleased to say that the contractor did not suffer serious injuries and we are investigating the incident further.”

Wolverhampton-based Tarmac is the country’s largest quarrying firm and supplies building materials to the construction industry. It worked on Wembley Stadium and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and widening the M1.

Since arriving at Raisby Hill, in Coxhoe, amid some opposition, the firm has worked to establish a close relationship with the community, having sponsored projects including a cycle path and supporting schools.