Explosion caused Langley, B.C., house fire that left 2 in critical condition, 1 unaccounted for: police
Langley RCMP confirm explosion was cause of fire at a residence on 196 Street
RCMP say investigators have determined an explosion caused a house fire in Langley, B.C. that left two people with critical injuries, one person unaccounted for, and closed off a neighbourhood.
Police, Langley firefighters and B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded to a report of a fire at a residence in the 7300-block of 196 Street at around 10:40 a.m. PT Friday, RCMP said in a statement.
Homes in the surrounding area were evacuated.
Sgt. Zynal Sharoom says the fire spread and caused damage to other nearby homes but couldn't give the exact number of residences affected.
Video of the site shows firefighters pouring water on the flattened and charred home, while a neighbouring home's roof was burned off with flames shooting out of the centre.
Sharoom told CBC News that as of Saturday evening, one person still remained unaccounted for, saying police are using all available resources to locate them.
"We're using all available police technology, we are exhausting all our options," he said. "We cannot rule out the fact that they are inside or outside the residence, but we are continuing [the investigation]."
He said investigators spoke with neighbours and obtained CCTV footage.
"It was a very loud explosion, witnesses have described that already," he said.
BCEHS said two patients in critical condition were taken to hospital by an air ambulance.
Police say they are working with firefighters to determine the cause of the explosion.
They say 196 Street between 72 Avenue and 74 Avenue is closed, as are several side streets. Motorists are being asked to avoid the area.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Langley RCMP.
With files from The Canadian Press