TERRACE BAY – Updated – NetNewsledger.com received reports of an explosion in the digester at the Terrace Bay Pulp mill last night. The reports, were accurate and reported that there was one fatality, and several injuries.
The mill was closed down, after the explosion, and workers were sent home. The steam room in the plant was undergoing maintenance, and there was a welding crew apparently in the room.
The fatality was reportedly in the steam room, and the name of the individual has yet to be released.
There are also injuries from the steam room, officials with the Terrace Bay Fire Department have reported to NNL that there are some injured workers.
The mill in Terrace Bay was re-opened with financial support from the provincial government.
On Tuesday the efforts have shifted to an investigation by Ontario Labour and Fire Officials to uncover what happened. The mill is likely to be closed for a few days before resuming operations.
TBPI has a significant economic impact in the region, providing direct jobs in the mill as well as supporting employment in woodlands operations and the transportation industries which supply the mill. The mill is recognized in the industry as producing one of the best premium reinforcement pulps in the world.
The Terrace Bay Fire Department and EMS are on the scene. TBFD consists of 30 dedicated members. Broken down that’s 22 firefighters, 3 Lieutenants, 3 Captains, 1 Deputy Chief, and 1 Fire Chief.
The thoughts and prayers of all of us at NNL are with the people of Terrace Bay and Schrieber and the families of the people impacted by this incident. – James