One dead, five unaccounted for after explosion at Ottawa tanker-truck business
Posted January 14, 2022 9:49 am.
Last Updated January 14, 2022 6:21 pm.
One of three people who were hurt in an explosion at a tanker-truck business in Ottawa has died.
Police say five people remain missing after the incident at Eastway Tank Pump and Meter.
Emergency crews were called to the facility around 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Fire crews worked throughout the afternoon and evening battling a fire that erupted after the initial explosion.
Three men were taken to the hospital — two in critical condition. Police confirm one of those men has succumbed to his injuries while another remains in hospital in serious but stable condition.
On behalf of the Ottawa Fire Services, we are extremely saddened by what happened yesterday. This event is tragic and shocking and can be difficult for our community to process. I want to remind residents that there are people and resources available to help.
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— Ottawa Fire Services (@OttFire) January 14, 2022
The missing are believed to include four men and one woman who were at the building when the explosion occurred. Their identities are not being released at this time.
Police say the five people’s families and loved ones have been notified and are being offered support.
Recovery and investigative efforts are underway, but police say it will take time due to heavy damage caused by the explosion and fire.
Officials do not believe that any more survivors will be found.
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson took to social media Friday to share his condolences and show support.
“No words can take away the stress and devastation as these people await news about their relatives and friends,” Watson wrote of the families of those missing.
No words can take away the stress and devastation as these people await news about their relatives and friends
My sincere thanks to our first responders for their tremendous efforts to save lives and contain the fire under very difficult conditions. 2/2
— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) January 14, 2022
The Office of the Fire Marshal is working to determine what caused the explosion and subsequent fire.
The Ottawa Police Arson Unit will act as agents for the coroner and will be the lead investigative unit for the Ottawa Police Service.
The Ministry of Labour will conduct a parallel investigation.
