Explosion in a house in Winnipeg: occupants found safe

A day after a house explosion in Winnipeg’s Transcona neighborhood, police say the occupants have been found safe and sound, and no serious injuries have been reported.

The explosion happened around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday in Camrose Bay. Authorities were trying to identify the residents of the blown-up home.

Winnipeg Police Service spokesperson Jason Michalyshen says the occupants of the home, a man and his adult daughter, were not at the scene at the time of the explosion.

Winnipeg police confirm that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. It is being conducted by the Major Crime Unit, Bomb Squad, Police Forensic Unit and the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Investigation Team.

Jason Michalyshen specifies that the investigation will take time

It could potentially take months, he said. Furthermore, the police do not rule out the criminal theory: We leave nothing to chance. A house doesn’t explode like that for no reason. What is this reason? This is still to be determined.

The spokesman said police have spoken to the occupants of the house that exploded as part of the investigation. He added that law enforcement is also interested in speaking to anyone who saw or heard anything that could help the investigation.

Jason Michalyshen appealed to local residents to provide footage if they have surveillance cameras. He also reassured the community that there is no imminent danger.

This neighborhood is safe. If we had determined that there was an issue, the police would knock on your doors immediatelyhe responded following a question asked by a resident during the press conference.

The Winnipeg police spokesperson says the security perimeter should be reduced during the day.