Update: 11:30 a.m.
An explosion at a Barriere property sent two to hospital, at least one of whom was taken by air ambulance Tuesday afternoon.
Barriere RCMP responded to a request for assistance from BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) around 2 p.m. Jan. 6, following the explosion, the RCMP said in a press release Wednesday.
Early indications are that two people were opening a sealed sea can containing a propane tank when a buildup of leaking propane gas ignited upon opening, resulting in a flash fire, police said.
Both people were injured and due to the nature of the injuries and the location, RCMP assisted paramedics in establishing a landing zone for an air ambulance.
Both injured people were transported by helicopter to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops for further assessment, the RCMP said. BCEHS previously said one of the patients was transported by ground.
Barriere RCMP attended the scene and conducted an investigation. The incident was determined not to be criminal.
“The RCMP remind the public to ensure propane tanks and other flammable materials are stored and used in well‑ventilated areas to prevent the risk of gas buildup and ignition,” the RCMP said.
Original:
A fire in Barriere resulted in two serious injuries, with one person transported by air ambulance in critical condition Tuesday afternoon.
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) said Wednesday morning it received a call about a fire in the 400 block of McLean Road just after 2 p.m. Jan. 6.
One ambulance with emergency medical responders, a community paramedic response unit, an ambulance with advanced care paramedics and an ambulance with critical care paramedics responded.
Paramedics provided emergency care and took one patient to hospital by ground in serious but stable condition. Another patient in critical condition was transported by air to hospital, according to Brian Twaites, BCEHS paramedic public information officer.
Little is known about the fire at this time. Black Press Media has reached out to the RCMP and Barriere Fire Rescue for more information.