PRINCE GEORGE - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of the second male who died following an explosion and fire at the Lakeland sawmill in Prince George.

The deceased was Glenn Francis Roche, aged 46, of Prince George.

Mr. Roche was working at the sawmill on the evening of April 23, 2012, when the mill was rocked by a large explosion and fire at about 9:38 p.m. Mr. Roche was taken to the University Hospital of Northern BC immediately after the blast, and then transferred by air ambulance to hospital in Edmonton for more specialized treatment. However, despite aggressive medical intervention, he died there in the early evening of April 24.

Mr. Roche was the second death reported following the explosion and fire. Alan Little, aged 43, died early on the morning of April 24 at University Hospital of Northern B.C.

The BC Coroners Service has begun an investigation into the deaths, which will be done in co-operation with the RCMP, the City of Prince George Fire Service and WorkSafeBC.

The BC Coroners Service extends its condolences the family, friends and colleagues of both Mr. Roche and Mr. Little, and its sympathies to the others injured in the incident.

Contact:

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