In Kamloops, the victim of an ammonia leak Thursday at an Arctic Glacier ice plant was one of the company’s employees, according to city deputy fire chief Ryan Cail. Authorities believe he is in his 60s.
A broken valve in one of the company’s ammonia cylinders appears to be the cause of the gas leak. It is deleted, damaged or not working. We do not know how the gas escaped, but a large amount of ammonia was releasedexplained Ryan Cail.
Two other company employees were able to escape the building after the gas leak, although details of their escape remain unknown and are being investigated, he said.
Ammonia is commonly used in mechanical refrigeration systems. Inhalation of toxic gas, colorless but with a strong odor, can irritate the eyes and respiratory system in small quantities. It can be fatal with longer exposure.
The company Arctic Glacier unreachable for comment on the situation.
The county’s Minister of Public Safety, Mike Farnworth, said workers and their families should not worry about safety conditions in their workplaces.
Tragedies like this reinforce our commitment to ensuring that everyone in British Columbia works in a safe environment.he wrote in a statement, requesting his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
One dead, many injured
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. Thursday in the Mount Paul Industrial Park area of Kamloops. Later that afternoon, the City of Kamloops confirmed that the incident resulted in the death of an individual.
Four people were admitted to the Royal Inland Hospital in connection with the incident, according to the Interior Health Authority. They were all processed and released on the same day. At the scene, emergency crews also attended about six other injured people.
Police, WorkSafeBC and the BC Coroners Service are investigating the incident, according to the City of Kamloops.
Source: Radio-Canada
