Worker Killed by Tornado
The most powerful tornado to touch down in Ontario, Canada in 15 years took the life of a 61-year-old employee of the world’s largest rock salt mine in August, 2011.
Normand Laberge, who was operating a boom at the Sifto salt mine in Goderich, ON, was caught in an F3 tornado packing winds of 174 miles per hour (280 km/h). Laberge, who had worked at the mine for three decades, was crushed under a pile of rubble.
He had been in an elevated position when the tornado hit and had no time to get to safety.
In a condolence message, a co-worker wrote that Laberge “was a wonderful, generous man who has given and contributed far more than many even realize. His involvement and driving force to raise money for the Christmas Bureau over the many years I have worked with him has been very inspiring… A great man.”
Another co-worker called Laberge “one of the best and finest persons I have had the privilege to work with and to call a friend,” adding that he will miss Laberge’s “infectious laugh and smile.”
Laberge was the only person to die in the tornado, which ripped a terrible path of destruction through the town of 8,000 residents. Thirty-seven injuries were reported.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour is investigating the fatality.
