Remnants from a home on Pine St. were strewn across neighbouring properties after it exploded on Sunday, Feb. 27. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SEEKING SUSPECTS

‘We believe criminal activity was involved:’ investigation continues into Nanaimo home explosion

Mar 3, 2022 | 10:50 AM

NANAIMO — Investigators have determined there was a criminal element that led to a house exploding over the weekend.

A massive shockwave spanned across Nanaimo, being heard or felt as far away as the Sunshine Coast around 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27 after a home exploded on Pine St., near the downtown.

Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW a criminal investigation is underway.

“This after extensive consultation with all our partnering agencies and after the area was examined. We had heavy equipment come in on Monday (Feb. 28) and lifted up various areas and also examined the basement. We believe criminal activity was involved.”

Six people were injured in the incident, however, all suffered only minor knocks. Two were taken to hospital for concussion observation and minor cuts from flying glass.

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Natural gas is believed to have played a large role in the explosion which provided the fuel. Police are still looking for the ignition point.

“When we arrived on scene there was a huge smell (of natural gas) right after the explosion and as we’ve carried on with our investigation, evidence has come to light that we believe there was criminal activity involved.”

O’Brien would not say what evidence has led investigators to their conclusion, citing maintaining the integrity of the investigation.

Mounties are asking anyone who saw people or vehicles at the property at 306 Pine St. up to 24 or 48 hours prior to Sunday night, to contact them.

O’Brien added there were indications at the site of squatters using the property, a fact relayed to NanaimoNewsNOW by neighbours on Sunday night.

The previous tenants of the home were evicted by the landlord at the end of January.

No suspects have been formally identified by Nanaimo RCMP.

A home on Pine St. exploded violently on Sunday, Feb. 27, injuring six people. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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