Explosion and fire at CNRL Oilsands mine
Posted Jan 6, 2011 10:07 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Fire crews have managed to extinguish a massive blaze at CNRL’s Horizon oilsands mine.
The fire started around 3:30 Thursday afternoon and was preceded by an explosion at the site about 75 kilometres north of Fort MacMurray.
Youtube video shows flames reaching high in the sky and the fire is said to have engulfed the primary upgrader on the site.
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety spokesperson Briar Crutchfield tells 660News, emergency measures are being taken.
“CNRL Horizon is currently under full evacuation with emergency responders on site and recent reports indicate three workers have sustained injuries,” she says.
According to Crutchfield, one person is said to have first degree burns, a second person has second and third degree burns while the third was treated and released on site.
All are said to be in stable condition.
There is no indication as to what caused the explosion that started the fire.
Production at the plant has been shut down.
Alberta Environment has been notified about the explosion and fire, along with the Energy Resources Conservation Board.
