Yellowknife RCMP and the Yellowknife Fire Department reported that one person sustained severe injuries from an explosion that occurred during the early morning hours yesterday in downtown Yellowknife.
Just after 2 a.m, the Yellowknife Fire Department and the RCMP received a call to 5122 54 Street regarding an explosion that invovled a boat parked in the driveway of a residence.
“On July 1st at approximately 2:11 a.m. Yellowknife RCMP received several calls reporting there had been an explosion downtown. Officers attended the location to find a person laying on the ground near the remains of a boat, which had been destroyed by the blast. Officers provided first aid to the victim until members of the Yellowknife Fire Department and Ambulance Service arrived,” said police in an announcement issued today.
Saxon Chung, who is the corporate communications advisor for the city, told True North FM that there was one person inside the boat at the time of the explosion and no other individuals have been reported injured as a result of the incident.
Initially, it was reported that the victim sustained minor injuries, but the RCMP and city officials confirmed that the person’s injuries are now classified as critical.
“The individual who was inside the boat at the time of the explosion was presented with minor, immediately identifiable injuries at the scene and was transported to Stanton Territorial Hospital for further medical evaluation. It is important to note that injuries resulting from blast trauma may include internal injuries that are not immediately apparent and can present later,” said Chung.
When Fire crews arrived on the cene, they found the boat was “significantly” damaged by the blast and debris was present in the “immediate” area.
“The explosion also caused significant damage to the residence’s garage, with additional damage sustained by neighbouring properties,” added Chung.
The total financial cost of the damage is currently unknown.
RCMP said an initial investigation showed that the person had been “huffing” propane from inside the parked boat at the time of the explosion.
Officials reported that the victim was flown out of Yellowknife for treatment and is now in critical condition.
Police said that the investigation remains ongoing.
Officials also issued a caution to the public on the dangers of ingesting propane and gasoline as inhalants.
“Inhalants are often volatile substances that, in addition to posing internal health risks, can easily cause fires or explosions under the right conditions,” said Yellowknife RCMP.
Officials are also asking the public to keep any propane and gasoline in a secure storage area.
“Members of the public are advised to ensure any propane, gasoline or other such substances are locked up or inaccessible,” said Yellownknife RCMP.
