Tamarack Chief Executive Brian Schmidt said the explosion happened around 2 p.m. on Saturday, and left two people dead. The company enacted emergency procedures and isolated the site.

"The cause of the explosion is under investigation and we are cooperating with all regulatory authorities to find answers," Schmidt said, adding the that the company extended its sympathies to the contractors' families.

An Alberta Occupational Health and Safety investigation is underway and all work on the site has stopped.

Calgary-based Tamarack produces 43,000 barrel of oil equivalent per day (boepd), according to its latest earnings release.

(Reporting by Nia Williams; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

By Nia Williams