One man is dead and the search continues for survivors following an explosion that destroyed one house and damaged at least a dozen others in north Scarborough Monday afternoon.
Toronto Fire was called to the scene at Brimley Road, south of Steeles Avenue East at approximately 4.25 p.m. Monday afternoon.
The man who is believed to have been an occupant of the leveled house was dragged from the rubble and pronounced dead at the scene. On Tuesday Ontario Fire Marshall Wayne Romaine told reporters the exact cause remains under investigation but confirmed that is was likely gas related. “There was very little fire damage to the debris,” Romaine said. “Once the explosion took place, the fuel was spent.”
Additional search dogs have been brought in as well but Romaine couldn’t say if there are additional victims. “We simply don’t know that’s why we are taking the steps we are. The debris field is massive.”
The lone victim thus far is being identified as 57-year-old Paul Zigomanis, who was reportedly known to police.
A woman was treated for minor injuries to the hand.
17 houses in total have been evacuated. Crews remain at the scene including officials with the Toronto Building Department to deal with the displaced residents.
Agencies/Canadajournal
Canada Journal – News of the World Articles and videos to bring you the biggest Canadian news stories from across the country every day
