Sinclar Group Forest Products president expresses sorrow over explosions and fire at Lakeland Mills

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      Explosions and a major fire erupted last night at Lakeland Mills in Prince George.

      The owner, Sinclar Group Forest Products, has issued a statement saying that at least 25 employees were taken to University Hospital in the Interior city.

      This morning, 14 are still in the hospital, while four were airlifted to hospitals in Vancouver and Edmonton.

      There were 24 people working in the sawmill at the time. Another 16 were in the planer mill and four others were working in the yard.

      "We're devastated by the news of this incident and our thoughts are with our employees and their families," Greg Stewart, president of Sinclar Group Forest Products, said in the statement. "We will not speculate on the cause of the incident at Lakeland Mills until the proper authorities have completed their investigation. All of our attention right now is focused on ensuring our employees and their families receive the care they need."

      In a media briefing this morning, reporters were told many explosions occurred because of compressed gas on the site.

      According to the company, the sawmill was destroyed. There isn't information yet on the extent of any damage to the planer mill.

      Sinclar Group Forest Products has operations in Prince George, Vanderhoof, and Fort St. James.


      Amateur video of the fire.

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