The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that one worker from the Lakeland sawmill in Prince George has died following an explosion and fire at the mill.

The worker was one of 25 who were working in the sawmill when it exploded in a giant fireball shortly before 9:45 p.m. on April 23.

He was taken to University Hospital of Northern BC, but died there about 5:30 a.m. on April 24.

The worker's identity will not be released until it is confirmed that all next of kin have been notified.

The BC Coroners Service has launched an investigation into the death, which will be undertaken in conjunction with the RCMP, the City of Prince George Fire Service and WorkSafeBC.

The BC Coroners Service would like to express its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased, and also its sympathy to those injured in the blast.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

For more information, please contact:

Barb McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253 or 250 213-5020