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Tragedy strikes Domtar’s Windsor pulp and paper mill in Quebec

Two workers lost their lives and one was injured in a tragic accident when a scaffold collapsed into equipment in Domtar’s Winsor pulp and paper mill in Quebec. The accident took place on Oct. 26 at around 1:35 am.

One of the workers was taken to the hospital, where his life was declared to be not in danger, according to a statement released by Domtar. The other two workers, Yan Baillargeon and Hugo Pare, were trapped underneath.

The Surete du Quebec, the Sherbrooke Fire Department and the Regie Intermunicipale of Winsor carried out rescue efforts, assisted by the mill’s emergency unit. Keeping the complexity of the situation in mind and to ensure safe rescue, the rescue efforts took some time to be completed.

Unfortunately, on Oct. 27, the rescue team discovered that Baillargeon had passed away in the accident. On Oct. 28 Pare was discovered dead as well, after being recovered from the debris.

Domtar extended its condolences in a statement. It said, “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the families of Mr. Pare and Mr. Baillargeon and to the families affected by this tragic accident. This tragedy affects and saddens us all. We are focusing our efforts on supporting our colleagues and their families. Domtar would like to thank all those who have worked tirelessly to assist.”

Both men were working for a subcontractor employed by Domtar to do major work at the mill.

Domtar is cooperating and participating in the ongoing investigation by the Surete du Quebec and the CNESST to determine the cause of the accident.

With 900 employees, the plant is one of the largest pulp and paper mills in the country.