2 workers killed in blast at oil and gas site in northern Alberta

An explosion Saturday at an oil and gas site in northern Alberta claimed the lives of two workers.

The RCMP and emergency crews were called to the Marten Hills site, northeast of Slave Lake, about 250 kilometres north of Edmonton.

The deaths are being investigated by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety.

"OHS is investigating a fatal workplace incident that occurred near Slave Lake on Nov. 12," said Trent Bancarz, a spokesman for Occupational Health and Safety.

"Two workers have died following an explosion. As this is an active investigation, no further information will be provided."

The site is operated by Calgary-based Tamarack Valley Energy.

Tamarack President and CEO Brian Schmidt said the workers who died were contractors.

He said an ambulance, RCMP, the provincial government and the Alberta Energy regulator were all notified after the blast and the company enacted emergency procedures and isolated the site.

"The families were notified and are going through a very difficult time," Schmidt in an email.

"We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of this tragic accident."

Schmidt said the cause of the explosion is under investigation and the company is co-operating with all regulatory authorities to find answers. He said Tamarack is also conducting its own review.

"Tamarack Valley has an excellent safety track record. We are deeply saddened by this event and are taking this very seriously."