One confirmed dead after early morning house explosion in Saskatoon
Police have confirmed a person is dead following a home explosion in Saskatoon early Saturday morning.
No details have been provided about the age or gender of the person.
Just before 4 a.m. Saturday morning, multiple 911 calls reported a house explosion in the 2200 block of Clarence Avenue South.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a house "levelled" from an explosion, Saskatoon Fire Department said in a media release.
The Saskatoon Fire Department found the body at 7:05 a.m. Fire Chef Morgan Hackl said the occupant of the home lived alone, but noted someone else could have been visiting them.
Large debris, vehicles and a detached garage were on fire, the department said.
Fire spread to a neighbouring house and crews had to act quickly to protect the home, the department said. The extent of the damages to that home have yet to be determined.
“Fire crews arriving did find the address, 2214, an explosion did occur. The address of that home was totally levelled,” Hackl said.
In total, 29 firefighters were on scene, with the final ones leaving at 8:15 am.
“To the south we had vehicles on fire, garage fire in the backyard, then also the structure to the north of this property was on fire,” Hackl added.
There were no reported injuries to firefighters.
In a news release, Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) said investigators are on scene, along with members of the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Office and the fire department.
In a tweet, Morgan Hackl, the chief of the Saskatoon Fire Department, asked residents to stay away from the area as crews clean up and investigate.
He said “considerable damage” was caused to multiple homes due to fire spread and flying debris.
Prior to the explosion, two SPS patrol officers noticed a home on fire in the area, according to an SPS news release.
As the officers approached, an explosion could be heard, SPS said.
Some residents in the area have been evacuated, according to SPS. CTV News learned at least one person in the area will not be able to return to their home on Saturday.
Traffic restrictions are in place and police are asking the public to avoid the area.
“Due to the extensive scene it may be some time before further updates can be provided,” SPS said in the release.
Taylor Adolphe, a resident in the Aldelaide Avenue area, said the explosion was a “surreal experience.”
“Nothing like this really happens in this neighbourhood,” Adolphe said. ““When I was driving by and saw the police tape up and everything it was definitely a shock.”
Damage is estimated to be $600,000 for the properties involved, the fire department said in a news release Monday.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
With files from CTV News Saskatoon's Tyler Barrow.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.