Two people were hospitalized and another is unaccounted for after an explosion rocked a quiet residential neighbourhood in Langley, B.C., on Friday morning.
Authorities said the blast was reported around 10:40 a.m. at a home near 196 Street and 73A Avenue, which was engulfed in flames when emergency responders arrived at the scene.
Sgt. Zynal Sharoom with the Langley RCMP said the raging fire caused damage to “numerous” neighbouring properties, prompting an evacuation of the surrounding area.
Social media video shows a plume of dark smoke billowing from behind a row of houses.
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Huge explosion and fire on 196&73a in Langley pic.twitter.com/Ewqsm8JR4Z
B.C. Emergency Health Services confirmed two people suffered critical injuries, and were rushed away to nearby Routley Park, where they were then airlifted to hospital for treatment.
Authorities are still trying to track down one other person missing since the explosion.
“We cannot confirm the whereabouts of this person, and we cannot confirm if they were in the residence,” Sharoom said.
The RCMP initially described the incident as a “possible explosion,” but said they have since verified the initial witness reports of the blast.
“Numerous witnesses have spoken to us already, and they’ve provided some sort of video surveillance which indicates an explosion,” Sharoom said.
So far, the cause is unclear.
Langley RCMP confirmed they are investigating the incident as of Friday afternoon, along with firefighters, but said it was too early to describe the blast as suspicious.
Authorities have warned drivers there remained “significant” road closures in the area early Friday evening, including on some side streets that were occupied by emergency vehicles.
Investigators also asked anyone with video or information regarding the explosion to contact the Langley RCMP detachment.
While Langley RCMP said there was a “possible explosion” at the property, the cause of the fire has not been confirmed.
“The investigation into this incident is in its infancy and we are working closely with the Township of Langley Fire Department to determine the cause,” said Sgt. Zynal Sharoom, in a statement.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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