One Dead as Explosion Rocks Tumbler Ridge

By 250 News

Tumbler Ridge, B.C.- RCMP say one person is dead after a large explosion in a residential area of Tumbler Ridge early Sunday morning.

Police say the blast on Wolverine avenue happened at about 2:30 a.m. completely destroying a home and seriously damaging two others.  Officials say one person died in the blast but there were no other serious injuries as a result.

The Tumbler Ridge Fire Department and the Rocky Mountain Rangers were called in to put out the resulting fire.

RCMP say 26 homes were damaged in the blast and the debris field covered the entire neighbourhood.  Nearby residents have been given access to emergency services and are staying with family and friends.

Officials say the preliminary investigation indicates that a natural gas line had been tampered with, but RCMP say it appears to be an isolated incident.  Mounties say there's no reason to believe that any other members of the public are in danger.

The name of the victim has not been released.

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