Prince George, B.C. – At least two people remaining missing in the massive explosion and fire that rocked the Babine Forest Products mill, just east of Burns Lake, last night.

Nineteen of the 30 workers at the sawmill and planer operation were injured when the blast hit the site. Some workers reported the strong smell of gas just prior to the explosion. Acting regional coroner Donita kuzma says at this time her office has not been called in to offer its services. She says ‘certain things would have to happen for that to occur.” Kuzma says she is watching the situation closely to see if things change. However she adds “the weather is causing problems and could delay any involvement there.” Burns lake, and in fact the entire north-central region, has been receiving the brunt of a heavy snowfall since last night. Kuzma cites the NT Air hangar fire investigation here, in which severe winter weather and snow delayed the painstaking probe through the rubble of the structure for possible fire victims. She says “it could be some time before we would become involved, if that situation arises.”

Meantime Steve Raper with Northern Health says hospitals under the NH umbrella have treated 19 patients, “some with very critical injuries, but I am not aware of any fatalities.” Two of the critically injured have been airlifted to Edmonton, another two to Vancouver with a third going to VGH once stabilized.

The Fire Commissioner’s office, RCMP and WorkSafe BC are probing the site which continues to smolder in an effort to figure out what led to the explosion of propane or natural gas. Babine Forest products is the major economic engine in Burns Lake, employing 250 people.