RCMP confirmed to CTV News that an explosion had taken place at a plant located near Fort McMurray late Friday evening.
Staff Sgt. Jeremie Landry told CTV News that a blast had happened at the Nexen Long Lake Plant just after 5 p.m. Friday.
One person had died, and Landry said another was in a Fort McMurray hospital in critical condition.
Investigators were on the scene Friday evening.
On Twitter, the Alberta Energy Regulator said officials were responding to the incident.
#AER is responding to an incident at Nexen's Long Lake #oilsands facility. More info will be provided as it becomes available.
— AER (@AER_news) January 16, 2016
Nexen released a statement following the incident Friday evening, and said the company’s emergency response plan has been activated and response personnel, including first responders Wood Buffalo.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm one fatality and a second person is at hospital. All other personnel are accounted for,” The statement said.
Nexen said the facility had been shut down, and crews were working to stabilize the scene – officials said there was no danger to the neighbouring communities, or personnel still on site.
