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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A worker on contract at the 440 Squadron airport hangar is in serious condition at an Edmonton hospital after a fuel drum he was converting into a rain barrel exploded as he was cutting into it with a power grinding tool.

The man was medevaced to Edmonton following the explosion at the Yellowknife Airport on Tuesday.

The lone male victim is being treated at the University of Alberta Hospital, said Damien Healy, communications manager for the Department of Health and Social Services.

The man was in reasonably good condition when he left Yellowknife, said his employer, Dennis Tung, owner of YK Construction.

The decision was made to move him to the university hospital because of its world-class burn emergency response unit, he said.

"We're very optimistic that everything will turn out very favourably," said Tung.

David Elias, civilian public affairs officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), told Yellowknifer the man was injured when a 45-gallon fuel drum he was cutting into with an angled grinder exploded.

The explosion occurred outside the 440 Squadron hangar Tuesday afternoon, said Elias. There are conflicting reports about the exact time the incident occurred.

YK Construction was completing a 17-week engineering project that involved converting fuel drums into rain barrels, said Elias.

The barrel in question had been provided by the construction company, he said.

"440 Squadron personnel were the first responders, providing first aid," said Elias.

"The injured individual was conscious and responsive and was transported to Stanton Territorial Hospital for further treatment."

The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission has opened an investigation into the incident, and YK Construction and 440 Squadron are assisting, said Elias.

"The safety of people and property are always a priority for RCAF and we take all occurrences seriously," said Elias.

"In situations where accidents happen, the incident is reviewed to determine the cause, make recommendations and implement preventative measures."

Elias commended the RCAF personnel who responded to the accident by providing medical assistance and calling in emergency response.

"Our thoughts go out to the worker and his family at this time," said Elias.

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