2 dead after incident at Vancouver Island forestry contractor

Police are investigating two deaths in a small industrial area near Chemainus on Vancouver Island,

Police and coroners are investigating a fatal incident at the offices of a forestry company on Vancouver Island.

An employee at a neighbouring business on Hope Place, near the community of Chemainus, told CTV News he got to work shortly after 6 a.m. and saw police and paramedics already on scene, doing chest compressions on one patient.

Mounties have not responded to multiple requests for information about the incident.

The B.C. Coroners Service told CTV News it is investigating two deaths in the area, but said it could not provide any further information.

Brian Twaites, a paramedic spokesperson for B.C. Emergency Health Services, declined to comment, instead directing all inquiries about the incident to the RCMP.

Police, including forensic investigation services, remained at the property into Friday afternoon.

Two vehicles were towed away from the scene, and most first responders had left by 3 p.m.

Mosaic Forest Management says it has suspended its forestry operations in the region after it was notified of the incident involving of one of its independent contractors overnight.

“Mosaic cares deeply about our contractor community,” the statement said. “Out of respect for those affected, we have suspended our operations for today. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.