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Military member hurt in incident at North Saanich helicopter base

443 Squadron base commander orders investigation into industrial incident.
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Hangars at the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in North Saanich. A military member was badly hurt Monday in an industrial incident.

A member of the Canadian Forces is in serious condition in hospital following an industrial accident at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron Monday morning.

Lieutenant (Navy) Nicole Murillo, CFB Esquimalt public affairs officer, says the member was not working on aircraft at the time of the incident. No other personnel were involved.

The member's next of kin have been notified and military officials are working to support the family and deployed a crisis team to the base at the Victoria International Airport in North Saanich to assist other members of 443 Squadron. Murillo said they have ongoing support for their members, should the need arise.

Details of the incident are not being released at this time. Murillo said CFB Esquimalt's Formation, Safety and Environment Office has been called in, following Base Commander Captain (Navy) Steven Waddell ordered an immediate investigation.

"Our sympathies and prayers are with the member and the family," Waddell stated in a media release, "and I can assure them that the Canadiana Armed Forces is committed to providing all the necessary support to the member and family drink this exceptionally difficult time."

Worksafe BC would not be involved in any investigation, said Murillo, as the site is federal property.

443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron is based at the Victoria International Airport. They service and fly Sea King helicopters in support of the Royal Canadian Navy's Pacific fleet.