Coroners Service joins investigation into shootings at forest products mill in Nanaimo

NANAIMO/ POLICE — The B.C. Coroners Service confirms it is investigating two deaths that occurred as the result of a shooting at the Western Forest Products mill in Nanaimo this morning.

Following an incident at the mill in south Nanaimo shortly after 7 a.m. , two people were taken by ambulance to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Both were pronounced dead on arrival.

The coroners service said it will work closely with RCMP in investigating the deaths.

“Investigation at this point is in its most preliminary stages, and no further information is available at this time,” a statement from the coroners’ office said.

Two others were injured in the shooting incident and are in hospital. A 47-year-old mill employee is reported to be in custody.

Police said a shotgun was seized after the shootings.

“This kind of tragedy is almost unknown in British Columbia,” Premier Christy Clark said in the legislature today. “Most of us here today cannot imagine what the victims and their families must be going through.

“They should know they are not alone. The people of British Columbia are standing with them.”

She said victim support services are on the ground, available to workers and their families.

“I know members on both sides of this house will join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families and everyone in Nanaimo affected by today’s events.”

Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan called it “a sad day for the community,” and said his heart goes out to the families of the victims.