Seven individuals were taken to the hospital following an explosion at a construction site in a high-rise building in Toronto on Tuesday morning, according to the police. Firefighters were alerted to a potential gas explosion at a construction site near Esther Shiner Boulevard and Provost Drive at approximately 9:15 a.m. Toronto Fire division commander Paul O’Brien stated at a press briefing that upon arrival, no fire was discovered, but several individuals exhibited burn injuries.
The explosion occurred in the boiler room on the penthouse level of the building, with the exact number of workers present at the time remaining unclear. All workers inside the building were promptly evacuated by Toronto police. Paramedics transported seven workers to the hospital, with three sustaining minor injuries and four in critical condition, as confirmed by Toronto Paramedic Services Chief Bikram Chawla, who cited privacy concerns for not disclosing further details about the injuries.
Following the incident, construction workers congregated outside the building while an investigation unfolded. O’Brien expressed uncertainty about when workers could re-enter the building due to the ongoing examination. Construction worker Luke Pravica mentioned hearing about a potential gas leak leading to the explosion and expressed concern for his colleagues’ well-being.
Although gas explosions of this nature are rare in Toronto, according to O’Brien, the specific type of gas responsible for the explosion was not specified. Centerville Construction Corp. released a statement indicating that the incident is under investigation, with plans to disclose more information in due course. Peter Udzenija from Centerville extended sympathies to the affected construction workers.
The incident is currently under investigation, with the Ministry of Labour notified. An inspector has been assigned to probe the explosion, as per a ministry spokesperson. Further details are being withheld until the investigation is concluded.
