Propane explosion injures one in Flin Flon

By The Canadian Press  May 26, 2016  

May 26, 2016, Flin Flon, Man. - A propane explosion sent a 33-year-old man to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries in Flin Flon, Man., on Wednesday.

Amanda Condie with Stittco Energy said the explosion occurred at the company's propane facility just before 7 a.m. and was quickly extinguished, but levelled an out-building.

The explosion is not considered suspicious and the company will be co-operating with investigators from the Office of the Fire Commissioner, she said.

A few businesses surrounding the area were evacuated after the blast.

''Our first concern is for the safety of the community, our employees and any others who may have been affected,'' Condie said. ''We're certainly co-operating with local first responders.''

Officials said the blast happened in a mechanical shop where a worker was doing repairs to a propane truck.

The mayor of Flin Flon said some sort of leak may be to blame.

''Even a 20-pound propane tank can make a hell of a blast and however and whatever was there totally levelled the building,'' said Mayor Cal Huntley.

Debris was thrown toward a Petro Canada gas station across the street. The owner, Dennis Bouteiller, said he was making coffee for customers when he got the shock of a lifetime.

''It was quite the haze,'' he said. ''I really wasn't sure what had happened, it almost sounded like a semi had gone right through the building.''

The explosion was felt far beyond the gas station. The mayor and other witnesses said the ground shook and windows rattled right across Flin Flon.

''I was in my office at work actually and it shook the building and I am quite a ways a way from where that took place,'' said Huntley.


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