Urgent Update: Two Dead in Fire at Yukon Mine Camp; Investigation Ongoing

BREAKING: Two seasonal workers tragically lost their lives in a fire at the Brewer Creek mine camp in the Yukon on the morning of October 3, 2023. The Yukon Coroner’s Service has just confirmed the deaths, prompting an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.

The remote camp, located approximately 100 kilometres south of Dawson City, is only reachable by air or boat, complicating the emergency response efforts. The victims, both 20 years old and hailing from British Columbia, died in the blaze that has shocked the mining community.

Following the fire, five additional workers were medevacked to Dawson City Community Hospital for treatment, highlighting the serious nature of the incident. The camp was slated for closure on October 4, just a day after the fire occurred, raising questions about safety measures and preparedness.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire in collaboration with the Whitehorse Fire Marshal’s Office, the Yukon Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board, and the Dawson City RCMP. While suspicious causes have been ruled out, the precise origin of the fire remains undetermined as the investigation continues.

The Yukon Coroner’s Service has extended its condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, emphasizing the profound impact this tragedy has had on the close-knit mining community.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by workers in remote locations, and the need for stringent safety protocols to protect lives.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.