Mounties confirm at least one person was injured during a series of chemical explosions at a Langley, B.C. transportation company Tuesday afternoon.
The first blast hit shortly before 2:30 p.m. at Ken Johnson Trucking Ltd., located near 96A Street and Telegraph Trail, and left the business completely engulfed in flames.
“The initial explosion of unknown chemicals has triggered a chain of smaller explosions currently being addressed by Township of Langley, City of Langley and Surrey Fire Departments,” Cpl. Holly Marks said in a release.
Witnesses say the impact of the explosion shook the surrounding Port Kells neighbourhood, and was felt blocks away.
Business owner Ken Johnson says one of his 42 employees was burned on the back, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital by air ambulance.
The cause of the initial blast has not been confirmed, but Mounties said it appears to be the result of an industrial accident.
Marks said businesses to the east and west of the fire site have been evacuated as a safety precaution as plumes of smoke spread overhead.
Nearby roads, rail traffic and the southbound lanes of the Golden Ears Bridge have all been shut down as authorities respond to the blaze. TransLink also confirms bus service has been rerouted for the 388, 501, 590 and 595 lines.
There is no word on when the bridge will fully reopen, but motorists are advised to use the Port Mann Bridge in the meantime.
WorkSafe BC is expected to investigate the scene once it is safe to do so.
