St. Boniface explosion caused by propane tank, police say

By Lara Schroeder Global News

Posted May 26, 2015 12:12 pm

Updated May 26, 2015 6:16 pm

1 min read

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St. Boniface explosion Winnipeg Ken's Carpets fire — An investigator looks at a propane tank behind Ken's Carpets on Archibald Street in St. Boniface on Monday. An explosion left an employee in critical condition. Jeremy Desrochers / Global News

WINNIPEG – An explosion that left a man in critical condition Monday was caused by a propane tank, Winnipeg police say.

WATCH: Viewer submitted video shows flames after St. Boniface explosion

Joe St. Laurent, 55, is still in critical condition after the explosion behind Ken’s Carpets and Urban Home Style Centre in St. Boniface shortly after 9:30 a.m. He has numerous serious injuries, police said.

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VIDEO: St. Boniface explosion injures man, sends smoke over Winnipeg

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The explosion shook nearby buildings and was heard for miles. It destroyed a storage unit behind the carpet store and caused an estimated $200,000 damage.

Investigators believe St. Laurent was in the storage container when the explosion happened. Investigators are trying to determine the ignition source for the explosion. The Office of the Fire Commissioner, Workplace Safety and Health and the Winnipeg Police Service arson unit are all part of the investigation.