(reddeernewsnow)

By Josh Hall/RedDeerNewsNow

Large explosion at Red Deer duplex Saturday morning

Jun 12, 2021 | 1:42 PM

Half a duplex in Red Deer’s Rosedale neighbourhood is severely damaged and perhaps beyond repair, according to Red Deer Emergency Services.

Deputy Chief Chris Kearns says an explosion occurred and fire broke out around 12:45 Saturday morning at a home on Rupert Crescent.

“It blew the walls off,” he describes. “Multiple people called 911 saying a house had exploded.”

Both the side wall of the house and part of the back can be seen detached from the rest of the dwelling. There’s also severe water damage on the inside.

RDES had the fire under control by 2 a.m., and no one suffered serious injuries, says Kearns. The lone occupant of the side which exploded was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

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While the root cause is still being determined, Kearns says the explosion was natural gas-related.

The side of the house that didn’t explode suffered zero fire damage but did experience some water damage.

A neighbour who lives in the duplex next door, but on the opposite side, spoke to rdnewsNOW anonymously Saturday morning, saying he was up watching TV when he heard and felt the boom.

“I thought it was our house that had been hit at first.”

It’s unknown at this time what resources the resident(s) of the duplex may need.

rdnewsNOW will share more details when they become available.