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RCMP say investigators have determined an explosion caused a house fire in Langley, B.C., that left two people with critical injuries, one person unaccounted for, and closed off a neighbourhood.
Police, Langley firefighters and B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded to a report of a fire at a residence in the 7300-block of 196 Street at around 10:40 a.m. PT Friday, RCMP said in a statement.
Homes in the surrounding area were evacuated.
Sgt. Zynal Sharoom says the fire spread and caused damage to other nearby homes but couldn’t give the exact number of residences affected.
Video of the site shows firefighters pouring water on the flattened and charred home, while a neighbouring home’s roof was burned off with flames shooting out of the centre.
Sharoom told the media later Friday that one person was still unaccounted for. He said investigators spoke with neighbours and obtained CCTV footage.
“It was a very loud explosion, witnesses have described that already,” he said
Police say investigators have determined that an explosion caused a house fire in Langley that left two people with critical injuries, one person unaccounted for, and closed off a neighbourhood. Rafferty Baker reports.
BCEHS said two patients in critical condition were taken to hospital by an air ambulance.
Police say they are working with firefighters to determine the cause of the explosion.
They say 196 Street between 72 Avenue and 74 Avenue is closed, as are several side streets. Motorists are being asked to avoid the area.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Langley RCMP.