Owner and worker suffer burn injuries
The owner of a seafood processing plant and a co-worker were injured during an explosion and fire Friday afternoon.
The W.E. Acres Crabmeal Ltd. facility in Portage, New Brunswick has been completely destroyed after an explosion in an oil drum sparked a massive blaze.
Jim Leblanc is the owner of the building and says he and co-worker suffered minor injuries.
"Myself and one of my coworkers were injured, like burnt... first and second-degree burns. We'll heal," he told CTV News. The co-worker was taken to hospital to be treated for second-degree burns.
Leblanc says four people were working inside the building at the time of the incident, and they were all able to escape. He says the incident was accidental and that the building has been destroyed.
About seven fire departments responded to the 911 call, according to the Cap-Pelé deputy fire chief. Crews battled the fire for several hours.
The facility was a fishmeal plant, producing things like fertilizer and animal feed.
This is the second time an explosion has taken place, sparking a fire, and everyone was able to escape within the past three weeks.
About 100 workers safely evacuated Alberta Distillers Limited in Calgary following an explosion and fire on January 17th.
Both incidents are evidence that having a detailed evacuation plan in case of fire can be lifesaving.
