By Charles Lefebvre

One dead following workplace explosion in Nisku

Dec 27, 2018 | 10:10 AM

NISKU, AB — One person is dead following an explosion in Nisku Thursday morning.

According to RCMP in Leduc, a man in his early 40s was pronounced dead following the explosion at Ja-Co Welding.

The explosion could be felt throughout the community, as well as in Beaumont about 10 kilometres away.

RCMP add a second man was taken to hospital in Edmonton with serious injuries.

The explosion happened at approximately 8:15 a.m.

RCMP say there is no longer any concern for public safety, but the public is being asked to stay away from the area.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

Occupational Health and Safety have also been called in to investigate.

Leduc County fire Chief Keven Lefebvre says crews managed to contain the fire and no surrounding businesses were threatened.

He says the blast was extensive and a decision was made to let burning acetylene tanks in the business vent their contents before crews moved in.

-With Files from The Canadian Press

by Charles Lefebvre