Three people were taken to hospital, two with serious injuries, following separate house explosions in Hamilton on Thursday morning.
The first incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. at a home on Springside Drive on Hamilton Mountain. Fire crews arrived to find widespread debris, a fire in what was believed to be an exploded garage, and significant damage to nearby properties.
One person suffered burns and was transported to hospital in serious condition. The explosion also blew out windows and potentially damaged the structures of two neighbouring homes, while several other properties sustained less extensive damage.
A second explosion was reported around 9 a.m. at a single-storey home on Lampton Place in Hamilton’s east end. Two elderly residents were rescued by neighbours before firefighters arrived, with both suffering burns. One was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while the other was reported to be in stable condition.
Firefighters brought the second blaze under control in about 30 minutes, but much of the home was destroyed by fire, and part of the structure collapsed. The damage is estimated at approximately $750,000.
Reports that neighbours smelled natural gas before the second explosion are a key focus of the investigation.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office is investigating both incidents. Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe confirmed the explosions are not believed to be connected.