Vancouver –
BC Hydro said it had launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire near the Marine Building in Vancouver.
Identifying the cause is a “high priority,” he added, adding that the incident is rare and that the focus is on ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical equipment for customers.
Power officials say the explosion left seven customers without power, adding that they are working “around the clock” to restore power.
Dan Nichols, acting assistant fire chief for the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service, told reporters on Friday that he believed the blazes may have been caused by electrical explosions at Ballard and Hastings.
He said the blast was “quite powerful”, blowing out windows and pushing concrete aside.
Nichols said two people suffered facial burns and lacerations, and BC Hydro said it had received reports that the patient was “in a stable condition”.
Vancouver police said some buildings were evacuated and traffic in the area was affected, but they don’t believe the incident was caused by criminal activity.
“Investigating the cause of the fire is a top priority that we take very seriously, this is a rare occurrence and we generally want to make sure the safety and reliability of electrical equipment is our highest priority. We want to assure you,” BC Hydro said. in a statement on Saturday.
“BC Hydro maintains its equipment regularly and the electrical vault was last inspected less than a year ago and found to be in good working order.”
This report by the Canadian Press was first published on February 25, 2023.
