Prince George, BC – Since the early morning explosion that occurred on August 22, 2023 in downtown Prince George, investigators have been working diligently to uncover the cause of the event.
The investigation so far has determined that the building was secured in the early evening on August 21, 2023, but was broken into over the course of the night by multiple unauthorized people. Fire investigators have further determined there is evidence of copper pipe theft, which resulted in damage to at least one natural gas line.
The source of the ignition that created the explosion was due to the activities of one of the unauthorized persons within the building, who was unaware at the time of the buildup of natural gas inside the structure.
“This investigation is incredibly complex and it will take time before investigators can make any further determinations, but we felt an update into the status of the investigation was necessary as so many people in our City were affected by the events of that morning,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Prince George RCMP
BACKGROUND
Prince George, BC – Prince George RCMP is reaching out to the public with an appeal for any video footage of the explosion that occurred today in downtown Prince George.
“We are seeing on social media that there are several videos from people who passed by the scene moments after the explosion occurred. We are requesting those persons contact our non-emergency line to speak with investigators as we would like to see the original footage. Also, if anyone has dash camera footage, video surveillance or cell phone footage of the scene prior to emergency personnel arriving, we ask they speak with investigators, too. Those videos could be very important to our investigation,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.
This investigation remains ongoing. Updates will be provided as they become available.
File # 2023-28816
Prince George RCMP
BACKGROUND
2023-08-22 10:14 PDT
File # 2023-28816
Prince George RCMP is providing updated road closure information in relation to this ongoing incident. Police currently have the area of Third Avenue to Fifth Avenue from George Street to Dominion Street closed to all vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
We have been informed that hydro in the area has been shut down and will remain that way for an undetermined amount of time. Northern Health has confirmed that three people were transported to hospital this morning, only one of whom had serious injuries. It is still too early into this event to determine any cause,states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.
Updates will be provided as the become available.
Background:
First responders are currently near Fourth Avenue and Dominion Street for an explosion that occurred at approximately 7:00 a.m. on August 22, 2023.
This incident is dynamic and information is changing rapidly. We are insisting that all members of the public stay out of the immediate area to give first responders room to work safely. The number of casualties is currently unknown. More information will be provided as it comes available,states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.
Police have currently closed the streets in a square block between Third Avenue and Fifth Avenue on Dominion Street all the way down to Queensway. Please avoid entering this area.
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