COCHRANE, Alta. — RCMP say an explosion at an energy site northwest of Calgary has seriously injured five workers.

Cpl. Gina Slaney says the five were part of a crew that was drilling on a lease site at a field north of Cochrane, Alta., on Monday afternoon when it’s believed they hit a gas pocket, triggering a large explosion.

Slaney says three of the workers were seriously injured and two were very seriously injured, and they’ve all been transported to hospitals in Calgary.

She says flames continue to shoot into the air and it is anticipated the fire will burn for at least a week, but she says the area is isolated and no evacuation is underway.

Occupational Health and Safety is investigating, she says.

The Alberta Energy Regulator says in a statement it is monitoring HWN Energy’s response to a release of sweet gas and a fire approximately eight kilometres north of Cochrane, adding that roadblocks have been established to safeguard the public and facilitate ongoing emergency operations.

“We will maintain a presence on-site and continue ongoing communication with HWN to ensure that public safety and environmental protection are upheld, and that all regulatory requirements are met,” the regulator’s statement said.

The statement further said that emergency response teams and local authorities, including Occupational Health and Safety, are present at the site.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2024.

The Canadian Press