Driller dead, 2 miners hurt near Kamloops

KAMLOOPS — BC Coroners confirmed Tuesday a worker died in a mining incident at Kamloops and the mine owner reports two other workers were also hurt.

A statement from Toronto-based New Gold said the three workers at the New Afton gold and copper mine were hit by a flow of mud debris early Tuesday.

A person the company describes as a contract driller was killed and the New Gold statement said two of its employees have non-life-threatening injuries.

Sarah Morris with BC Emergency Health Services confirmed seven paramedic crews were called just after 2 a.m., and transferred two patients for further care.

She says both workers were released from hospital.

An RCMP spokeswoman says police secured the scene and are investigating to determine if there is anything criminal about the incident, while the coroner is also at the scene.