Twenty-two people were injured when an explosion on Thursday caused a barracks to partially collapse at 19 Wing Comox, the Department of National Defence said in an update Friday.
The injured include 16 military personnel, DND said. One of the injured is still in hospital.
About 60 personnel lived in the barracks, but it isn’t immediately known if all were there at the time of the blast, which was likely caused by a severed natural gas line, according to Canadian Forces media relations.
A spokesperson said early information indicates that a contractor working on a perimeter drain with a mini-excavator hit a gas line. Work crews were renovating the building when the explosion ripped through it, causing its partial collapse.
A search-and-rescue team from Esquimalt was searching the site using acoustic and infrared sensors. The site remained an active emergency scene.
National Defence said all military members, civilians and contractors known to have been on the site have been accounted for, but “the extensive damage to the building has made clearing it a challenge.”
One patient who was in serious condition was flown to hospital with a critical-care paramedic team in a 442 Squadron Cormorant helicopter. Friday’s statement did not update the patient’s condition, saying only the patient was “receiving care.”
“The identity of those injured will not be released and we are supporting them throughout their recovery,” the DND said.
Federal, provincial and military investigations started Friday. WorkSafe B.C. is conducting an investigation along with the Canadian Forces fire marshal, Fortis B.C. and Military Police, Canadian Forces said.
In a statement, Col. Bryn Elliott, wing commander for 19 Wing Comox, said: “Thank you to all agencies and individuals who offered support to the wing. To our 19 Wing team, I am extremely proud of you. You acted immediately, professionally and bravely to assist the injured and secure the scene. The initial explosion was significant and the risk of further explosions was present for some time. Thank you for a job well done under incredibly challenging circumstances.”
Fortis B.C. has disconnected the gas line and DND Real Property Operations has shut down power to the building.
The contractors involved in restoring the barracks buildings were Vancouver-based Luxton Construction Inc. and sub-contractor Saywell Contracting of Victoria. The $2.7-million contract to renovate two barrack buildings was awarded in April and work began that month.
Canadian Forces said the project was supposed to be completed by January, but said Friday it is too soon to determine what impact the blast will have on the overall project involving Barracks 24 and 25.
Barracks 25, an accommodations building with a bed capacity for 130 personnel, was at the centre of the blast.
The Canadian Forces spokesperson said early indications are the building is “likely damaged beyond economical repair.” Additional assessments will be required of the building, as well as the adjacent barracks building.
The base said the incident has not affected any aircraft, airfield facilities or air operations at 19 Wing and the primary missions of search and rescue and protecting Canadian sovereignty continue.
