Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ottawa Police arson unit continues to investigate the Feb. 13 Blossom Pass Terrace explosion that sent a dozen people to hospital and destroyed several homes under construction.
The arson unit took over as the lead agency for this investigation Feb. 18 “as the circumstances surrounding the explosion were deemed criminal,” police stated in a news release.
The Office of the Fire Marshall (OFM) and all other involved agencies will continue to provide support in this investigation.
Firefighters initially blamed the 6:18 a.m. explosion on a suspected gas leak, then backtracked, saying that the cause was still under investigation.
Six people, including two children and two men in severe condition, were taken to hospital for injuries sustained in the explosion.
Other houses in the development were already built and occupied, but police would not give details on whether all residents were evacuated, however, at the time said they had secured the area.
Minto Group opened one of its model homes at the site for people who were displaced.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5625 or email mcm@ottawapolice.ca.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.