RCMP are investigating a workplace-related incident that sent one person to hospital Wednesday near an industrial area south of Nanaimo, though official details are few and far between.
Island District RCMP confirmed it was aware of and investigating the Wednesday incident that took place in the 1400-block of Timberlands Road near Cassidy, south of Nanaimo, but would not confirm reports from people in the area who told CHEK it was a stabbing.
Police said an update on the investigation is coming but did not specify when.
BC Emergency Health Services confirmed paramedics were called to the Timberlands Road site around noon Wednesday, dispatching two ambulances and a supervisor to transport one patient to hospital. The patient’s injuries and current condition were not disclosed.
WorkSafeBC also confirmed that it was “aware” of a workplace incident in the same area, but declined to provide further details until a more detailed inspection report became available. The organization added that a WorkSafeBC officer is currently working with the employer, who it declined to identify.
Nearby businesses and residents said the incident prompted a heavy police response, and one witness said prior to first responders arriving he saw a person burning something in the area.
A short while later, he said paramedics could be seen tending to a man who appeared to be in his 60s suffering from what looked like a stab wound.
Police could later be seen searching a forested area including a makeshift camp where a laundry basket and tarp could be seen.
No suspects or possible charges have been announced and police did not confirm or deny reports suggesting the victim was working as a security guard when they were stabbed.
Jeff Lawrence
