‘Vulnerable’ man escapes explosion, fire at Richmond Hill home, hasn’t been seen since
Posted March 23, 2023 11:42 am.
Last Updated March 23, 2023 12:03 pm.
Police are searching for a “vulnerable” 21-year-old man who was last seen leaving his home in Richmond Hill after an explosion and fire earlier this week.
Fire crews in York Region were called to the home on Deerwood Crescent near Bloomington Road and Bathurst Street just before 1 p.m. on Monday.
According to York Regional Police, Daniel Popov was seen leaving his home at 12:50 p.m., which is around the same time the explosion and subsequent fire occurred.
Police believe he was the only person at the residence when the fire broke out.
“Daniel was witnessed in the area following the incident, but he did not return to the house and has not contacted his family since the incident,” police stated in a release.
Investigators don’t believe Popov was injured in the fire, but police and his family are concerned for his well-being.
Popov (pictured below) is six-feet tall, 170 pounds, and has short blond hair. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a grey jacket with a black hoodie, dark sweatpants, and dark shoes with a white trim.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call police at 1-866-876-5423 (ext. 7241) or 1-800-222-tips.
Police say Daniel Popov was last seen leaving his home on Deerwood Crescent at 12:50 p.m. on March 20, 2023. HANDOUT/York Regional Police
The Ontario Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate the cause of the explosion and fire, and police are asking anyone who may taken video of the incident to contact them.
