WATCH: A loud and strong explosion was heard and felt in Regina Beach today. Initial reports blame a gas pipe, but investigators are still on scene. Kim Smith reports
REGINA – No serious injuries have been reported but damage is extensive following a powerful explosion in Regina Beach Wednesday afternoon.
RCMP say they received a report of a possible explosion on the 200 block of 1st St. at 2:27 p.m.
“There’s plywood on the ground with nails, there’s insulation,” said RCMP spokesperson Mandy Maier. “The house that sustained the most damage, obviously, was right across the street from the post office and the post office did sustain extensive damage as well. The roof was collapsed, the wall was caved in as well.”
Homeowners Mark & Kathy Oldershaw were not home at the time of the explosion and say they’re just happy that no one was injured.
“It’s leveled, it’s gone,” the Oldershaws said. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. No one was hurt. We lost furniture, things, but that can be replaced…You can’t replace a life.”
SaskEnergy says that an initial investigation suggests that an underground leak in a SaskEnergy pipeline is believed to be a factor in the explosion. A spokesperson says there have been several reports of underground leaks over the past few months as the ground shifts, but no more than in any other year.
Wednesday evening, the town of Regina Beach declared a local state of emergency. Ken Peters, Emergency Measures Organization Coordinator, said gas and water to homes in a three block radius to the explosion had to be shut off.
“We come together when somebody of our own community needs help, we’re there. I think that’s the way of any small town,” said Peters.
An emergency check-in centre has been set up at the local elementary school. Regina Beach residents looking for more information can call 306-729-2464.
WATCH: Scenes from the Regina Beach area where a large explosion flattened a home
Crews are currently repairing the leak and gas safety checks of all homes and businesses in the area are being conducted. SaskEnergy also says they have begun a gas leak detection survey of all of Regina Beach.
A check-in centre has been set up at the school gymnasium and all residents in the area of 5th St. E. to 3rd St. W. and 5th Ave. north to the lake are being asked to check in so they can be accounted for.
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