A devastating house explosion rocked the community of Monterey Park in Calgary on Tuesday evening, leaving residents in shock and emergency crews scrambling to respond.
According to the Calgary Fire Department, the explosion occurred at a home on Catalina Boulevard NE around 9:30 p.m. The blast was so powerful that it caused significant damage to the house and surrounding properties, with debris scattered across the street.
Thankfully, no one was inside the home at the time of the explosion and there were no reported injuries. However, the house was completely destroyed and two neighboring homes sustained significant damage.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have been caused by a natural gas leak. The gas supply to the area has been shut off as a precaution.
Residents in the area were evacuated from their homes as a safety measure, and a temporary shelter was set up at a nearby community center. The Red Cross is providing support to those affected by the explosion.
The Calgary Fire Department, along with the Calgary Police Service and ATCO, are working together to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.
In the meantime, residents are being urged to avoid the area and to report any suspicious activity or potential gas leaks to authorities.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of gas safety and the potential dangers of natural gas leaks. It is crucial for homeowners to regularly check their gas lines and appliances for any signs of damage or leaks, and to report any concerns to their gas provider immediately.
Our thoughts are with the residents of Monterey Park and those affected by this devastating explosion. We will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.