Five people are unaccounted for in the flames of Lakeland Mills.
Prince George Fire Rescue Service could do nothing to fight the fire, according to fire chief John Lane, but "we are containing it."
Their efforts spared the planer mill next to the blast. The explosion and fire erupted at 9:38 p.m. at the sawmill portion of the complex. Twenty five were working at the sawmill, 25 more at the planer mill. Everyone at the planer mill is accounted for and uninjured.
"We found the sawmill portion heavily involved in fire with several victims presenting themselves immediately," said Lane. "Our crews rescued several more from the immediate area."
Seven people were rushed to University Hospital of Northern BC by ambulance, "some did have severe burns," Lane confirmed. Others self-referred themselves to the hospital, reportedly as many as 13.
Prince George RCMP added that they were helping determine if some of those unaccounted for might have been off-site at the time of the blast.
"We are helping Prince George Fire Rescue in any way we can," said RCMP spokesman Cpl. Craig Douglass from alongside the blast site. "We have set up roadchecks, and we will help locate persons who may or may not be there."
Full examination of the site, and any hope of determining a cause, would not be possible until the flames die down. That could take several days. A cache of hydraulic oil was being allowed to burn itself out, and the hulking remains of the sawmill were still burning strong as of midnight. Lane confirmed that the planer mill was undamaged, but the sawmill was completely destroyed.
