WorkSafe B.C. is investigating a logging accident east of Lumby Wednesday morning that resulted in one man being airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital.
Three men from an Enderby contracting firm were working in the bush 34 kilometres east of Lumby off Highway 6 and approximately 45 kilometres up a forest service road, in the Keefer Lake area, when a dislodged tree came sliding down the mountainside, striking the three men.
Emergency personnel were called just before 8:30 a.m. after the loggers reported to the company that they had been injured. The contracting firm had first aid on-site.
“Two of the men were able to walk out and were taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital for assessment and treatment,” said Vernon RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk.
The third man was airlifted from the scene, thanks in large part to Vernon Search and Rescue, whose helicopter winch was lowered and the injured man was put in a basket and taken to a waiting air ambulance, which transported the man to Kelowna General Hospital.
Vernon Search and Rescue was called in after a half-dozen fellow workers were unable to carry the injured man out of the bush due to the steepness of the slope.
A spokesperson for the contracting company said the injured logger was treated for a possible orbital fracture (injury to the bone of the eye socket) and was released from hospital. He will be re-assessed next week.
“I am very pleased with the response of Vernon Search and Rescue and with all of the emergency crews,” said the contracting spokesperson.
WorkSafe B.C. has assigned two officers to investigate the incident.
