Image Credit: Submitted Photo/Spencer Sterritt

By Nanaimo News Now Staff

Gas Explosion

Explosion near downtown Nanaimo destroys house, shockwave felt throughout city

Feb 28, 2022 | 8:03 AM

NANAIMO — An apparent natural gas explosion has destroyed a house near the downtown, sending a massive shockwave throughout the city.

Buildings rattled as a result of the explosion around 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27 at a home in the 300 block of Pine St., near the intersection with Third St. and Fitzwilliam St.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue, BC Emergency Health Services, Fortis BC and BC Hydro were all on scene along with Nanaimo RCMP, with Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien telling NanaimoNewsNOW they’re operating under the assumption the home was vacant at the time of the explosion and there is no indication of casualties.

A BC Emergency Health Services official on scene also told NanaimoNewsNOW six people were injured in the blast with four treated on scene and two transported to hospital.

Both taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital had what were described as non-life threatening, superficial injuries.

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Police were also asking people to stay away from the scene and allow crews to work.

A spokesperson for Fortis BC said via an email no cause for the explosion has been identified as of Sunday night.

“The explosion did result in damage to the natural gas meter and gas blowing from it and our crews isolated the meter and brought gas under control safely and as quickly as possible, Diana Sorace said. “Our crews remain on site to assist emergency personnel as needed.”

One witness to the explosion who spoke to NanaimoNewsNOW, was in a vehicle at the neighbouring church and said she was knocked back.

“My head was up against the window when it happened and all you could feel was this great big vibration literally all through your whole body. I saw big fireworks going off then a big ‘boom’ the house just exploded and shot everywhere.”

Tina Cliff, a nearby resident was at home with her husband at the time of the explosion.

“The whole house was just a big, loud bang. It felt like the house just jolted then it went completely black. My ears felt like they were kind of blown, plugged ears, it was surreal. I noticed the cop cars and ambulance here, so I looked out my window and I’m thinking ‘I don’t see the yellow house.’”

Cliff told NanaimoNewsNOW the home had been used for some illegal activities, including squatting and those living there were recently moved out.

She said the owner was fixing up the home for family to move in.

The explosion itself was felt throughout the city, with one resident in Halfmoon Bay on the Sunshine Coast reporting she heard it.

Some blown out windows in neighbouring properties, along with pictures being knocked off walls, were reported throughout the city.