A shocking workplace incident has cast a dark shadow over the Labour Day weekend.
Eight people were taken to hospital—some with serious injuries—after an explosion and fire at the Come by Chance refinery yesterday afternoon.
Work has been underway to convert the facility to a producer of biofuels.
The explosion occurred inside the facility around 4 p.m., causing a fire that was eventually contained. Five of the victims were airlifted to hospital in St. John’s for treatment. Portions of Manitoba Drive in Clarenville and the Sobey’s parking lot were closed as the injured were transported to hospital by helicopter.
Several workers who were on site during the incident say they didn’t hear an explosion, only the muster bell. Everyone was to told to muster, and within moments emergency crews on the scene tended to the injured.
Both RCMP and Occupational Health and Safety are investigating the incident.
Braya Renewable Fuels, the company that operates the refinery confirmed the incident and its containment around 6 p.m. yesterday. They are working with the authorities in their investigation.
They say they will do everything they can to support those who were injured and their families during this time.
Federation of Labour President Mary Shortall and NAPE President Jerry Earle were quick to send their thoughts and concerns to the injured workers and their families.
Premier Andrew Furey and area MP Churence Rogers also expressed their concern on hearing the news.
Thinking about the injured workers at Come by Chance today – their families and friends and all who are helping and responding. #nlpoli #wokersafetyalways #canlab
— Mary Shortall (@maryshortall) September 2, 2022
Our thoughts are with the workers injured as a result of the incident at Come By Chance Refinery, thinking of their families, loved ones, and co-workers. Let’s collectively keep them in our thoughts ??
— Jerry Earle (@jerry4nape) September 2, 2022
Labour Day reminds us of the hard working people who keep our communities and economy going. Tonight I am thinking especially of the workers and families of the Come by Chance Refinery. As we await news of what has unfolded there today, we keep them all in our thoughts & prayers.
— Churence Rogers (@ChurenceRogers) September 2, 2022
Earlier Story:
Eight people were transported to hospital, some with serious injuries, following an explosion at the refinery in Come By Chance.
The explosion occurred around 4:00 p.m. inside the facility, the cause of which remains under investigation by the RCMP and Occupational Health and Safety.
A fire caused by the explosion has been contained, preventing further danger. All employees have been accounted for.
Clarenville RCMP are asking the public to avoid the area as emergency crews respond and investigate. Manitoba Drive and the Sobeys parking lot in Clarenville are temporarily closed as aircraft are being brought in to transport injured individuals.
Premier Andrew Furey and Federal Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan were among those tweeting their well wishes to those affected upon hearing the news.
Very sorry to hear about the incident at the Come By Chance refinery. I have been speaking with representatives of the company and union to share concern and good wishes for the injured workers, their families, friends, and coworkers. Thank you to all responding to this incident.
— Premier of NL (@PremierofNL) September 2, 2022
