Two suspected house explosions in Hamilton, Ontario, left three people hospitalised and several homes badly damaged on Thursday morning, according to fire officials.
According to Global News, the separate incidents happened less than two hours apart and are not believed to be connected, Hamilton Fire Chief David Cunliffe said.
The first explosion occurred shortly after 7:30 AM at 182 Springside Drive on Hamilton Mountain.
Cunliffe said a garage exploded, causing the house to collapse and catch fire. A person inside the garage suffered serious burns and was taken to hospital in serious condition.
The blast was powerful enough to be felt at three fire stations across the city.
Two neighbouring homes were also badly damaged, although no additional injuries were reported.
Around 9:00 AM, firefighters responded to another suspected explosion at 8 Lampton Place in Hamilton’s east end.
Neighbours rescued two people from the burning home. One was hospitalised in serious condition with burns, while the other was in stable condition.
A neighbouring property was also damaged, with losses at the affected home estimated at $750,000.
Cunliffe said there were reports of residents smelling gas before the second explosion.
The Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating both incidents to determine their causes.
