On Wednesday, August 14 at approximately 10:37 p.m. London Police Services were called to Woodman Avenue near Queens Avenue following reports that a vehicle had struck a house. In addition to the house, a gas line was also struck resulting in an explosion that destroyed one house and impacted several other homes in the area. Police arrived on scene and were quickly joined by members of the London Fire Department and EMS. Multiple people were treated or assessed at the scene. A total of seven people were transported to hospital including; one citizen, four firefighters, and two Police officers.
Approximately 100 homes on Quebec Street, Woodman Avenue, and Charlotte Street between Lorne Avenue and Dundas Street have been evacuated, and the area remains cordoned off for investigation. A reception centre for displaced residents in need was set-up overnight at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre. Approximately 30 people were at the reception centre during the evening. Accommodations have since been secured for all those residents, and the reception centre is no longer being utilized.
Please be aware that there are a number of road closures as a result of the explosion in Old East Village. The following roads are closed:
Woodman Avenue between Lorne Avenue and Dundas Street
Quebec between Lorne Avenue and Dundas Street
Charlotte Street between Lorne Avenue and Dundas Street
Lorne Avenue between Ontario Street and Quebec Street
Dufferin Avenue between Ontario Street and Quebec Street
This is an active incident. We ask that the public avoid the area at this time. Updates will be provided as the situation progresses.
Source: Update: Explosion in Old East Village | City of London
