Yellowknife RCMP say one person is severely injured following an explosion in a downtown neighbourhood on July 1.
Police received several calls about an explosion downtown, which occurred around 2 a.m.
Officers arrived at the 54 Street residence to find a person lying on the ground near debris from a boat destroyed in the blast, according to RCMP. They administered first aid until the Yellowknife Fire Department and ambulance services arrived.
"Initial investigation has indicated that the person had been 'huffing' (inhaling) propane from inside the parked boat when the explosion happened," RCMP stated.
That person has since been flown out of the city for treatment and is in critical condition, according to the police.
In an email to NNSL Media, communications advisor for the city, Saxon Chung, said one person was inside the boat at the time of the explosion. Though that individual suffered some minor injuries that could be seen right away, Chung added that blast injuries can cause internal damage that might not show up immediately.
The Mounties are warning the public about the dangers of using inhalants, such as propane or gasoline, which are volatile substances that can pose serious health risks and easily ignite.
The investigation also remains ongoing, the RCMP noted.
