Hamilton Firefighters rescue occupant from collapsed home

HAMILTON, ON – October 24, 2017 – At approximately 2:13 pm today, the Hamilton Fire Department responded to a report of an explosion in a two storey house located at 134 Gibson Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home completely collapsed with the one occupant still reported inside. Firefighters were able to verbally communicate with the occupant and determine his location in the collapsed home.

The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre was notified of the incident and the Toronto HUSAR (Heavy Urban Search and Rescue) team was activated for deployment to Hamilton. Prior to their arrival, Hamilton firefighters were successful in rescuing the occupant from the collapsed home and the HUSAR response was cancelled. Once removed, the occupant was placed in the care of Hamilton Paramedic Service and transported to hospital.

The Office of the Fire Marshal and an Inspector from the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (T.S.S.A) are on scene and will conduct an investigation in an attempt to determine the cause of this explosion.

The home at 134 Gibson Ave has been completely destroyed. An Inspector with the Hamilton Building Department responded to the scene and has requested a professional engineer examine the property next door at 136 Gibson Ave. for structural integrity before it is reoccupied. Natural gas has been turned off in the area affecting approximately 296 properties. A dollar loss for damages is not available at this time.

There were no other reported injuries to the public and or firefighters.

For information on fire safety, contact our Fire Prevention Division at 905-546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm or visit www.hamilton.ca/fire.