quote:
Toronto rocked by several explosions, police expect many injuries
Tobin Dalrymple and Becky Rynor , Canwest News Service
Published: Sunday, August 10, 2008
Ontario Provincial Police have closed a section of Highway 401 while emergency crews continue to evacuate a suburban Toronto neighbourood following a series of massive explosions early Sunday.
"They're evacuating the area so I think they're worried about another explosion," said a civilian Toronto police spokesman. "Maybe they're worried something on site is going to blow, and if it is, it may be bigger than what was there already. So they're being extra careful."
At around 4 a.m., several large explosions erupted from what is said to be a propane depot in the city's northwest end, setting off giant fireballs and loud explosions.
At around 4 a.m., several large explosions erupted from what is said to be a propane factory in the Toronto's northwest end, setting off giant fireballs and loud explosions.
National Post / Sarah Millar
The 401 has been closed from Sheppard Ave. to the north, Finch Ave. to the north, Jane St. to the west, Bathurst Ave. to the east and Lawrence Ave. to the south.
"It's a pretty big area," the police spokesman said. "Probably about a three kilometre radius."
A combined effort between fire fighters, Toronto and provincial police, and special emergency response crews have set up a one-kilometre perimeter around the source of the blast and are in the process of evacuating homes.
No injuries or fatalities have yet been confirmed, but police expect there will be many. Toronto EMS duty officer David Viljak said officials have received reports of "casualties" but can't confirm them because the victims are "inside the hot zone" and behind the barricade.
A police officer said he had heard reports of two injuries from the scene, but none had been officially confirmed as of 7:30 a.m.
"I'm sure there's gonna be a lot (of injuries)," said the Toronto police officer, who would not give his name. "It was a big bang."
Less than three hours after the blasts, a Holiday Inn Hotel in the immediate area was busy taking in dozens of people who had been evacuated from their homes or businesses. Other hotels nearby said they would also be opening their doors to people throughout the day.
All those moments will be lost, like tears in rain... Time to die.