Memorial service honours victims of B.C. mine tragedy - Web posted by NUPGE
The two B.C. Ambulance Service employees were coming to the aid of two others at the site, Doug Erickson and Bob Newcombe.
The tragedy began when Erickson failed to return home after entering a shed at the Sullivan Mine on May 15 to collect water samples. It is believed he died from inhaling oxygen-depleted air. Oxygen depletion happens when rock oxidizes and organic material decomposes.
Toxicology tests have yet to been completed.
Newcombe, who was Erickson's his partner, went looking for him two days later. After finding his collapsed body, Newcombe called 911. Then he too apparently collapsed. Shortly afterward, when Weitzel and Currier responded to the 911 call, they were also overcome and died at the site.