By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Aug. 18 -- An investigation is under way to determine the cause of a fire that occurred Thursday in the vacuum crude unit at the Suncor Energy Products Inc. Sarnia, Ont., refinery, taking one life. The fire was brought under control quickly with the aid of the Sarnia Fire Department, Suncor said.
The power blackout Thursday shut down the entire refinery Thursday evening, and start-up is just now getting under way, according to a company spokesperson. The vacuum unit will remain down, pending results of the investigation, but other plant functions may be back in service by the end of this week, he said.
"Our top priority is responding to the needs of the family," said Kirk Bailey, vice-president, refining. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time. This event deeply affects all Suncor employees, and we will provide all necessary support to those impacted by this tragedy."
The company, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Suncor Energy Inc., manufactures and distributes transportation fuels, heating oil, and petrochemicals.
