The New Westminster Police Department's Major Crimes Unit has joined the investigation after two people died in an apparent industrial accident in the Metro Vancouver area.

NWPD spokesman Sergeant Jeff Scott says officers were called to a lumber yard in New Westminster early Saturday afternoon where they found two deceased workers.

The Pacific Reload lumber yard is located in New Westminster, B.C. (Google Maps)

Scott says detectives are working in collaboration with the BC Coroner Service and Worksafe BC to investigate what he describes as a "a very sad and tragic situation."

No other details, including the name of the lumber yard, have been released and Scott says the names of the victims are being withheld as investigators still need to speak with their families.

The NWPD says its Victim Assistance Unit has been offered help to anyone who may have been affected by the incident.