Micah Urban, who stands 6 feet 8 inches tall, loves to play basketball, according to Evy McKay. (Submitted by Evy McKay)
Both boys are active in the community, with Parker an avid snowboarder and skateboarder, and Urban a star basketball player.
Julie Krall, principal of Smithers Secondary School, said the “traumatic event” has affected the entire school community.
“Our staff have known the students who were hurt,” she said. “As well as all of our students who are impacted for many years and worked quite closely with them.
“As you can imagine, also in a small community, there’s many family friends and friends of their own children involved.”
Krall said counsellors were on hand in the town’s schools to provide support for students and staff.
McKay says while it will take a while for kids at the event to recover emotionally, the school district’s psychological supports were helping the town navigate the explosion’s aftermath.
Smithers RCMP say they’re looking for witnesses to come forward as they investigate the explosion. Anyone with more information is asked to call them at 250-847-3233.