COCHRANE, Alta. — An energy company says a natural gas well fire that injured five workers north of Calgary continues to burn a day later.
There was a “well control incident” Monday afternoon at the site about eight kilometres north of Cochrane, Alta. and as of Tuesday afternoon the well was “still actively burning,” HWN Energy Ltd. said in a news release.
“We understand the concerns of the local community and we want to assure the public that we are taking every possible measure to manage this incident effectively,” the company said.
RCMP have said it’s believed a crew hit a gas pocket while drilling, triggering a large explosion that injured the workers.
Alberta Health Services said paramedics took five people to hospital on Monday, three with life-threatening injuries and two with non-life-threatening injuries.
On Tuesday, an AHS spokesman said he could not provide an update on their conditions due to patient privacy rules.
HWN said well control specialists, representatives of the Alberta Energy Regulator, Occupational Health and Safety officers and company personnel remain on scene trying to control the well.
It said the fire has been contained to its surface lease and that additional air monitors have been brought to the site.
“We have mobilized industry experts and specialized equipment to restore control of the well in a safe and timely manner, while concurrently protecting the public and environment,” HWN said
“As a precautionary measure, we have evacuated non-essential personnel from the immediate area and have established an exclusion zone around the site.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2024.
The Canadian Press
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