Both the Premier and Minister of Labour have released a joint statement on the deaths of 3 workers in Fernie.
John Horgan and Harry Bains call the situation tragic, and send their deepest condolences to the victims' loved ones and friends and the entire community of Fernie.
They note the circumstances surrounding the accident at the Fernie Memorial Arena are still under investigation, and the community has declared a local state of emergency while HAZMAT teams address a suspected ammonia leak at the facility. WorkSafeBC, the BC Coroners Service and the Ministry of Environment are on scene.
Horgan and Bains thank the those who responded so quickly and valiantly, including the Fernie Fire Department, Elk Valley RCMP and BC Ambulance Service.
The leaders say workers nor their families should have to fear for their safety when they are on the job.
At a news sconference at the legislature Horgan says it's too early to speculate on solutions without knowing what went wrong. He notes WorkSafe BC, the RCMP and Coroner's office are all investigating.