An explosion at an energy site north of Cochrane on Monday left five workers seriously injured, with the resulting fire expected to burn for days, says the RCMP.
According to RCMP Cpl. Gina Slaney, the five workers, members of a contracting crew drilling on a lease site north of Cochrane, hit a gas pocket that triggered a large explosion. Slaney said three workers were seriously injured and the other two were very seriously injured. All of them have been transported to hospitals in Calgary.
According to media reports, Slaney said Occupational Health and Safety is investigating the incident. The same reports suggest that the fire from the explosion will burn for at least a week, but the area is isolated and no evacuation is required.
HWN Energy Ltd. confirmed in an email that the five injured were company contractors.
"We understand the concerns of the local community, and we want to assure the public that we are taking every possible measure to manage this incident effectively," the company's email late Monday stated.
The statement also said that, as a precautionary measure, the company evacuated non-essential personnel from the immediate area and established an exclusion zone around the site.
According to the company statement, the exact cause of the incident wasn't yet known. It said the company has mobilized experts and specialized equipment to restore control of the well while protecting the public and environment.
In another statement released by Rocky View County on Monday, it said that no evacuation order has been issued and the County remains on stand-by.
--With files from The Canadian Press.