One person has died and another person has been critically injured following an explosion in Whitehorse’s Riverdale neighbourhood, according to the city.
A loud boom could be heard and felt on the morning of Nov. 14. The deadly blast on Bates Crescent left behind a pile of debris and destruction.
Yukon’s chief coroner, Heather Jones, confirmed the deceased didn’t live at the home that was destroyed but was a neighbour whose home was badly damaged. Jones has not spoken with their next of kin, which she said is important to do before releasing their name.
“This tragedy will have deep affect on so many in our community,” Jones said by email.
A city spokesperson confirmed by email an injured person was found in the pile of debris.
According to a press release from the City of Whitehorse, the fire department was called at approximately 5:30 a.m. for an explosion on Bates Crescent. Fire crews, emergency medical services and RCMP responded to the scene.
Crews arrived to find a destroyed home and neighbouring homes with extensive damage, per the city’s release.
According to the release, the injured person has been taken to the hospital.
The cause of the blast is being investigated. The release indicates the city, police and the coroner’s office are working together to document the scene due to the size and severity of the incident.
There is no further risk to public safety. Bates Crescent is limited to local traffic only.
“We appreciate the public interest surrounding this incident but ask that residents respect the privacy of those impacted by this tragic incident,” reads the city’s release.
At 8:29 a.m., ATCO Electric Yukon posted on X, formerly Twitter, to advise customers of an unplanned power outage affecting Bates Crescent, Blanchard Road and Alsek Road due to the ongoing emergency situation in the area. There is no estimated time for power restoration.
RCMP also put out a release shortly after 1 p.m. on Nov. 14 confirming the details.
It noted Whitehorse RCMP responded to reports of a home explosion on Bates Crescent around 5:30 a.m.
“Police attended the scene to find little remaining of the home and damage done to neighbouring properties,” the statement reads.
One person is deceased as a result of the explosion, and another was transported to hospital with critical injuries, it was noted.
“The RCMP Major Crimes Unit is working alongside the Whitehorse Fire Department and Yukon Coroners Service as we continue to investigate the scene.”
Anyone with information who has not already spoken with police is encouraged to contact the Yukon RCMP Major Crimes Unit at 867-667-5555.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com