Worker on Enbridge Line 3 replacement dies in construction yard incident

A contractor working on Enbridge's controversial Line 3 oil pipeline replacement has died after a reported accident at a construction yard.

The incident happened Friday at a construction yard in Hill City, Minnesota, with Enbridge describing it as a "fatal accident" that has led to work in the area being paused.

"Safety standards and protocols were reinforced today as work paused across the project for a safety standdown," Enbridge spokesperson Juli Kellner told the Duluth News Tribune.

The Aitkin County Sheriff told the newspaper that the victim was from out of state, and a union member contracted for work on the pipeline replacement.

The pipeline was finally given the go-ahead to commence construction after a year-long fight to get approvals, amid concerns raised by environmentalists and tribal groups.

There have been a number of protests at construction locations since work commenced, with the Aitkin County Sheriff announcing Friday that 22 people were arrested for trespassing and unlawful assembly.

It comes after 50 protesters blocked an Enbridge right of way in Jacobson on Dec. 14, which includes a protester who had secured themselves to a tree via a platform, and had been there since Dec. 14.

In total, 22 people were arrested and booked into the Aitkin County Adult Detention Center on Probable