Two workers lost their lives and one was injured in a tragic accident when a scaffold collapsed into equipment in Domtar’s Winsor pulp and paper mill in Quebec, Pulp & Paper Canada reports. The accident took place on Oct. 26.
One of the workers was taken to the hospital, where his life was declared to be not in danger, according to a statement released by Domtar. The other two workers, Yan Baillargeon and Hugo Pare, were trapped underneath.
The Surete du Quebec, the Sherbrooke Fire Department and the Regie Intermunicipale of Winsor carried out rescue efforts.
Unfortunately, on Oct. 27, the rescue team discovered that Baillargeon had passed away in the accident. Pare was discovered dead as well, after being recovered from the debris.
Domtar extended its condolences in a statement. It said, “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the families of Mr. Pare and Mr. Baillargeon and to the families affected by this tragic accident. This tragedy affects and saddens us all. We are focusing our efforts on supporting our colleagues and their families. Domtar would like to thank all those who have worked tirelessly to assist.”
Domtar is particpating in the ongoing investigation by the Surete du Quebec and the CNESST to determine the cause of the accident.
With 900 employees, the Windsor pulp and paper mill is one of the largest pulp and paper mills in Canada.
