Driller's helper dies 140 kilometres northwest of Inuvik
Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Mar 21/01) - A 23-year-old Fort McPherson man died Saturday in Inuvik after suffering fatal injuries at an oil camp.
Jason Stewart, a driller's helper at a Shell oil camp 140 kilometres northwest of Inuvik, somehow came in contact with a drill during seismic operations in the camp at approximately 10:20 a.m. on Saturday.
Cathy Menard, deputy chief coroner, says it appears that a part of Stewart's clothing came into contact with the drill he was working with.
"Whether it was his coat, or something else, we're not sure right now," said Menard. She adds that when a situation like this happens, "compressional asphyxia" occurs, causing severe damage to the blood vessels in the affected area.
"The external pressure on the person's body is massive."
Stewart, was medevaced to Inuvik Regional Hospital. RCMP say they were called to assist in an emergency helicopter landing at 11:50 a.m.
Stewart died a few hours later in hospital.
Menard says a post-mortem examination of Stewart's body is under way in Edmonton, A preliminary report shows Stewart's injury is "completely consistent with "compressional asphyxia" of the chest and neck.
The National Energy Board is investigating the accident.
