Investigation begins into deadly house explosion

One person is dead following a home explosion in Mississauga, a suburb of Toronto, on Tuesday afternoon.

Peel Regional Police Chief Jennifer Evans told reporters at an earlier news conference the same day that pieces of paper with “possible information” were found in the surrounding area of the blast and have been handed into investigators.

The blast in Mississauga, a former suburb of Toronto, damaged about 25 homes and left debris strewn across a street.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said between 50 and 100 people had to be evacuated and a reception center was being set up at a nearby recreation center.

One house was destroyed by the blast and neighbouring homes show heavy damage, with debris spread over a wide area.

Local news outlet CP24 said police were still trying to establish the cause. People felt their homes shake.

Beckett says work will begin today on just what caused the blast and warns that it will be a “long process”.

Gas and water was also shut off to the area, and it remains unclear when the residents will be allowed back in. “It looked like snow”.

The focus is on the safety of residents and returning them to their homes.

“There were several minor injuries, cuts and bruises and we are asking people in the area to stay away”, said Beckett.

It happened on Hickory Drive near Dixie Road just after 4:00 p.m. If you were home at the time of the incident, share that experience with your insurance provider, that will help paint a picture of the amount of damage.

Residents displaced by the blast were told register at the Burhamthorpe Community Centre, located at 1500 Gulleden Drive, to let officials know they are safe.

“It’s too early to speculate right now”, she said of the notes.