UPDATE: Explosion considered “suspicious:” RCMP

Prince George RCMP is reaching out to the public with an appeal for any video footage of the explosion that occurred today in downtown Prince George.

“We are seeing on social media that there are several videos from people who passed by the scene moments after the explosion occurred. We are requesting those persons contact our non-emergency line to speak with investigators as we would like to see the original footage. Also, if anyone has dash camera footage, video surveillance or cell phone footage of the scene prior to emergency personnel arriving, we ask they speak with investigators, too. Those videos could be very important to our investigation,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

This investigation remains ongoing. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Earlier: (9am): RCMP say three people were injured in this morning’s blast, one of whom had serious injuries though they say it’s still too early to pinpoint a cause.

“We have been informed that hydro in the area has been shut down and will remain that way for an undetermined amount of time,” says RCMP.

Earlier (730am): There were multiple injuries after a building exploded in downtown Prince George Tuesday morning.

“We have been informed that hydro in the area has been shut down and will remain that way for an undetermined amount of time. Northern Health had confirmed that three people were transported to hospital this morning, only one of whom had serious injuries. It is still too early into this event to determine any cause,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

Prince George RCMP say the old Achillion restaurant at 4th Ave and Dominion Street exploded at around 7 a.m., injuring more than two people.

The restaurant was destroyed in the blast, and the force of the explosion was so powerful that police say it broke the windows of some neighbouring businesses. And according to witnesses, the explosion could be heard from North Nechako all the way to College Heights.

The cause of the blast is under investigation, but in the meantime, police are insisting the public avoid coming downtown, to avoid fumes that are possibly toxic. They’ve closed Third Ave to Fifth Avenue from Victoria Street to Queensway while they investigate.

Emergency crews remain on the scene. We’ll update this story as soon as more information is released.

by Greg Fry

UPDATE: Explosion considered “suspicious:” RCMP

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