Nanaimo RCMP attended an explosion and small backyard fire at a home off Ninth St. late Wednesday, April 21. A man received a cut to his hand requiring stitches due to the mishap. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

explosion

Gun powder poured on south Nanaimo backyard fire explodes, injures man

Apr 22, 2021 | 11:30 AM

NANAIMO — A man was injured after a loud late-night explosion in the Harewood neighbourhood.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said police were among numerous emergency crews who responded to a reported explosion and small fire at a Spring Pl. home on Wednesday, April 21 just after 10 p.m.

He said a man decided to pour gun powder from a metal can onto a fire in the backyard.

“The fire then ran up the side of the gunpowder and exploded the metal can, causing a large laceration on his palm. His friend took him to the hospital where he received some treatment and was later released.”

The booming explosion sent dark smoke billowing into the air and surrounding neighours to the scene.

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Witnesses reported the home’s driveway was covered in blood from the man’s wound.

RCMP attended the hospital, where O’Brien said the injured man admitted he didn’t use common sense and he agreed not to do it again.

O’Brien said alcohol is believed to be a factor and that incidents like this are completely unnecessary.

“It does happen and unfortunately the results are what happened last night, they cannot be mixed. Common sense has to prevail in situations like this.”

O’Brien noted police discovered an illegal backyard brewery while on scene, which was dismantled.

He said police provided education to the home’s occupants and no criminal charges will be persued.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes