An explosion at Nexen's Long Lake Plant in northern Alberta has left one person dead and another critically injured, according to police.

The blast took place at around 3:20 p.m. local time on Friday after which the plant activated its emergency response plan and deployed both fire and medical crews to the site. Personnel including first responders from teh Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo attended the scene and RCMP arrived at 5 pm. The plant is located near Fort McMurray.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm one fatality and a second person is at hospital. All other personnel are accounted for. The affected facility has been shut down and we are stabilizing the scene. There is no immediate danger to the neighbouring communities or personnel still on site. Regulators have been notified," stated a release on Nexen's website.