Missing worker identified after dozer breaks through ice at frozen tailings pond

By Justin Slimm

Posted January 14, 2021 8:19 am.

Last Updated January 14, 2021 7:37 pm.

FORT MCMURRY (CityNews) – A worker is missing after the dozer they were operating broke through the ice at an inactive tailings pond in Wood Buffalo.

Suncor confirmed to CityNews on Wednesday night that the incident happened around 3:00 p.m. at the Base Plant.

The missing Suncor worker has been identified as Patrick Poitras.

In a statement to CityNews, a Suncor spokesperson said:

“Our Emergency Services team responded immediately and continues with response activities. Supporting the safety and wellbeing of our people remains our number one priority and we have activated critical incident stress debriefing resources.”

Emergency crews are investigating.

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