Police say investigators have determined that 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.
Langley RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom said in an interview Friday that the fire spread and caused damage to other nearby homes, but he 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鈥檚 roof was burned off with flames shooting out of the centre.
Images posted to social media depict a long, black plume of smoke coming from the fire.
Sharoom told the media later Friday that one person was still unaccounted for. He said investigators spoke with neighbours and obtained CCTV footage.
"It was a very loud explosion, witnesses have described that already," he said.
BC Emergency Health Services said in a statement that paramedics provided emergency treatment to two patients at the scene.
It said the two were flown to hospital in critical condition.
RCMP said in a news release that the fire was reported Friday morning, and officers along with firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene in the 7300 block of 196 Street.
Homes in the surrounding area were evacuated and police say there is also an "indefinite road closure" on 196 Street between 72 and 74 avenues, as well as along several side streets as the investigation continues.
Drivers are being told to find other routes past the site, and police are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to reach out.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 28, 2025.
Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press
