A man who was charged with arson following a townhome explosion in Calgary is still in the hospital, according to authorities.
The incident occurred on December 19, 2021, at a townhome complex in the community of Panorama Hills. The explosion caused significant damage to the building and resulted in the evacuation of nearby residents.
The accused, identified as 35-year-old John Smith, was arrested and charged with arson and possession of an explosive substance. He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and has remained there since the incident.
According to Calgary Police, Smith is still in the hospital and is receiving treatment for his injuries. They have not provided any further updates on his condition.
The investigation into the explosion is ongoing, and authorities have not released any information on a possible motive for the incident. They have also not disclosed what type of explosive substance was found at the scene.
Residents of the townhome complex were allowed to return to their homes on December 21, 2021, after the building was deemed safe by authorities. However, some residents are still dealing with the aftermath of the explosion, including damage to their homes and belongings.
The Calgary Fire Department has estimated the damage to be around $500,000. They have also stated that the explosion could have been much worse if it had occurred during the day when more people were present in the building.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact the Calgary Police. They are also reminding the public to report any suspicious activity or behavior that could potentially lead to similar incidents.
As the investigation continues, the community of Panorama Hills is left to grapple with the aftermath of the explosion and the impact it has had on their sense of safety and security.
