UPDATE: Investigation underway after gas leak explosion in Orléans neighbourhood

The investigation is getting underway after a gas leak and explosion rocked a quiet Orléans neighbourhood. 

Five homes were destroyed in the blast around 6:20 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, in the area of Tenth Line Road and Shallow Pond Place, leaving multiple families without a place to stay. 

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) arrived on scene Monday and is preparing to begin an investigation Tuesday with a team of six, including a drone operator, engineers and fire investigators to determine the cause, origin, and circumstance of the explosion. The investigation could take several months and also includes the Ottawa Police Service (OPS), Ottawa Fire Services (OFS), the Ministry of Labour and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority.

Also, the gas had to be turned off for 23 homes following the explosion and Enbridge expects it will remain off for at least a couple of days until its safe to resume service. 

“Public safety is our first priority and gas service to four homes on Blossom Pass Terrace impacted by the explosion has been shut off. In addition gas service to 23 nearby homes is also shut off as a safety precaution,” said Enbridge. 

Twelve people were injured in the explosion, including five who required treatment in hospital.

“There's no sugar coating it, what happened was shocking,” said Nick DeFazio with the OFS on The Sam Laprade Show on Feb. 14, adding that he was one of the first on the scene as he lives roughly six minutes fro the site. “I am a father of three, and I was thinking that could have been my home. And it really puts things into perspective, especially at the end of the day when you get home.”

The information site for yesterday’s incident at the Minto Sales Centre is now closed and residents looking for information can go to the Ray Friel Recreation Complex at 1585 10th Line Rd in the Queensway Room beginning at 9 a.m. today (Feb. 14.). 

Orléans South-Navan Coun. Catherine Kitts told CityNews Ottawa said there were 30 unoccupied homes in the particular subdivision, and people were in different stages of moving in. 

“We believe it's 27 families that had moved in and are displaced as a result,” said Coun. Kitts while on site at Ray Friel assisting residents with any questions they had. “Some will be displaced for while due to the extent of the damage.” 

Listen to the interview with Nick DeFazio below: