Hot steam was released inside boiler room of Victoria General Hospital
Two hospital workers in Victoria, British Columbia are recovering in hospital with burn injuries after a pipe burst releasing hot steam in the boiler room at the Victoria General Hospital.
The incident happened around 8:30am Friday and in a statement reported by CTV News, the local health authority, Island Health, stressed there was not an explosion at the hospital.
"There was not an explosion. The incident happened during maintenance work in a mechanical area on the first floor of the hospital which resulted in flooding," says Island Health.
WorkSafe BC is investigating the incident.
On the day of the incident, View Royal Fire Chief Paul Hurst told CTV News the burst pipe pushed steam into the hallway leading to the boiler room. Hurst said it created low visibility for the firefighters responding and when they did get into the boiler room, they found the two injured workers.
Hurst told the local news outlet he estimated one person suffered serious burns to 50 percent of their body.
Both workers are recovering in the burn unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.
"Our thoughts are with the two staff members who were injured and their families during this extremely challenging time," said Island Health. "They continue to receive care and improve."
Repair work is still being done in the mechanical area of the hospital and Island Health says it has no impact on patient care.
