Police and firefighters were forced to evacuate part of London's Old East Village after a vehicle collided with a home, causing a large explosion.
At this time, the following roads are closed due to the ongoing fire investigation in old east London - Quebec St, Woodman Ave, Charlotte St, all between Lorne Ave and Dundas St - Dundas between Ontario and Charlotte - Queens Ave and Dufferin Ave between Ontario and Quebec.
— LPS_Operations (@LPS_Operations) August 15, 2019
The London Police Service said late Wednesday evening that the vehicle crashed into a house on Woodman Avenue and the resulting explosion caused neighbouring homes to become engulfed in flames. As many as five homes may have been affected.
Update - all of the residents who were at the reception centre at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre have now moved to hotels or found alternate arrangements. We are closing the reception centre, but continue to provide to supports to those impacted. #LdnOnt
— City of London (@CityofLdnOnt) August 15, 2019
"A terrible situation unfolding on Woodman Ave in #oevldn. Information is sketchy, but more than one house on fire, evacuation and firefighting in progress. People are advised to keep the area clear. More pumps en route. Hoping so hard no one hurt," the Old East Village Community Association tweeted following the incident.
Middlesex-London EMS confirmed that at least one person has been taken to hospital with unknown injuries. Further information about possible injuries was not released prior to publication.
The cause of the crash and explosion remains under investigation. Police are asking that the public avoid the area.
The following roads remained closed Thursday morning as police continue their investigation into the incident: Dundas Street between Quebec Street and Egerton Street, Woodman Ave. between Queens Ave. and Lorne Ave., Woodman Ave. at Lorne Ave., Lorne Ave. between Woodman Ave. and Charlotte Street, Quebec Street at Lorne Ave., Ontario Street at Queens Ave., Lyle Street at York Street.
London Mayor Ed Holder has been quick to praise emergency crews for their work and Londoners for their kindness.
"I join all Londoners in praising the efforts of our brave first responders who have risked their own safety in the service of others. My thoughts are with them, and their loved ones. Words cannot properly express our gratitude and admiration," Holder said in a statement issued Thursday. "We have also heard stories of heroism, kindness, and compassion involving neighbours helping neighbours, and strangers assisting those in need. These acts of resilience and selflessness will no doubt serve as examples to all Londoners in the days ahead as we care for those who have been displaced."
Residents who have been displaced by the explosion were originally taken to a reception centre at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre. They have since been moved to hotels or found alternative arrangements.
