2 people escape explosion at industrial building in Inuvik

An explosion at a building in Inuvik on Tuesday caused significant damage.

According to the townof Inuvik, at about 1:20 p.m. the fire department got multiple reports of an explosion in an industrial area.

"Upon arrival, significant structural damage to the rear and sides of the building were observed," saidCynthia Hammond, director of protective services,in an email.

Two people were inside the building when it happened, and both escaped safely with "no major injuries."

The building is owned by local company Bob's Welding.Shyla Traer, gas stations manager at the company, said the explosion occurred while a welder was working on a fuel tank.

"When it exploded it was so close to the back wall it blew out the back wall," she said.

Shesaid both workers inside at the time were "a bit shaken up," but they were otherwise "perfectly fine" and have been cleared by the hospital.

"We're not too sure exactly what's happened, but once we find out we'll be able to go further" with preventing future accidents, she said.

WSCC investigatingexplosion

Hammond said thecause of the explosion is under investigation. She said RCMP, first respondersand the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) attended the scene.

"The building and property are secured, with no entry, until confirmation by a structural engineer that it is safe to enter and conduct investigation."

In a press release, the RCMP said they did not find evidence of criminality. The investigation has been turned over to the WSCC.

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