One of three men injured in Fort Saskatchewan blast dies

One of three men injured in Fort Saskatchewan blast dies by Mariam Ibrahim, February 22, 2013, Edmonton Journal
One of three workers seriously injured in an explosion at a Fort Saskatchewan construction site has died. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety spokeswoman Lisa Glover confirmed one man died of his injuries around 6 a.m. Friday. The worker was identified by family as Jason Michalycia, 33. “We are all grieving,” said relative Leanne Konkin, asking for privacy as the family comes to grips with what happened. She said they continue to pray for Michalycia’s cousins — brothers Wilf and Wes Michalycia — who were critically injured in the accident. All three worked for Wil-Flo Plumbing and Heating. Roman Michalycia said Thursday his nephew, Jason, and two sons were working on water and plumbing lines at the house under construction in the South Pointe neighbourhood when the explosion happened around 1:15 p.m. Thursday. The blast, triggered by a gas leak, was strong enough to blow out the sides and rear wall of the house, along with the front and back windows, said City of Fort Saskatchewan spokeswoman Wendy Kinsella. The siding on two neighbouring homes was also damaged. Worker Dean Vanderwolf said Thursday roughly a dozen workers rushed to help the men after the explosion, which was “like a bomb.” Vanderwolf said the men were working in the basement of the home and appeared to be have been badly burned. The investigation has been turned over to Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. “There could potentially be some instabilities, so before they actually get into the basement to determine what caused the explosion, they need to secure the scene,” Glover said of investigators who were at the site Friday. [Emphasis added]

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