Worker killed in explosion at hydro project north of Pemberton

A worker has been killed in an explosion at a hydro project about 80 kms north of Pemberton.

The 39-year-old man, who has not been identified, was handling explosives when he was killed at the project near Pebble Creek Hot Springs.

The man is employed by CRT Construction Inc. and EBC Inc.

RCMP received a call just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

We received a report that there had been an explosion at the worksite, said Sgt. Knapton, Operations NCO in Whistler. The incident occurred when workers were handling explosives, killing a 39-year-old male working at the site.

A second employee has been transported to the Lower Mainland for treatment with serious injuries.

RCMP in Whistler and Pemberton are on scene investigating and have enlisted the assistance of Sea to Sky General Investigations Section as well as the provincial explosives disposal unit.

WorkSafeBC and the BC Coroner Service are also investigating.

Bas Brusche, a spokesperson for Innergex Renewable Energy, the developer and owner of the project, says the company is very sad for the two people involved.

He says they are fully cooperating with the investigations

Several hundred people have been working on the project for one-and-a-half years, with a year remaining in construction.