Report: Meth Lab Suspected in Explosion, Fire at Southdale Road East Townhouse Complex
The investigation into an explosion and fire at a south London townhouse complex last week has now been turned over to London Police.
The blast inside one of the units on Southdale Road East, just west of Pond Mills, happened around 8:15 Friday night, and caused $500,000 in damage.
London Police are still gathering evidence, however, the London Free Press is reporting remnants of a suspected meth lab have been found inside the unit where the blast occurred. Police have yet to
comment on the report, but they have confirmed they’re looking for a “person of interest,” seen running from the unit moments before Friday’s explosion.
Police remained at the townhouse Saturday morning, holding the scene for fire crews, who returned multiple times overnight to deal with smoldering, hot spots, and reports of smoke.Emergency crews were called to the scene at 1217 Southdale Road East, a public housing complex, around 8:15 p.m. to reports of an explosion and heavy smoke.
Details remain limited, but witnesses say the explosion rocked nearby townhouses, and saw heavy smoke billowing from the building.
Police note it’s too early to say whether the explosion and blaze is suspicious, as officers have been unable to inspect the property. Fire crews deemed the property unsafe to enter.
Witnesses told officers that a man, whom police say is now a person of interest, was seen fleeing from the building prior to the explosion. Officers say the property hasn’t been the focus of past police attention.
Police are now trying to identify the tenant of the townhouse.
Union Gas says their crews were not called to the unit.
(Photos: James Holand (top), Lindsey Mary Ann (right))
