Police allege man set St. Boniface fire that seriously injured him

WINNIPEG – A man who was seriously injured in an explosion and house fire early Tuesday allegedly was hired to set the blaze, police said Wednesday.

Homeowner Todd Arthur Vandal, 40, is charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and arson with disregard for human life in connection with the St. Boniface fire. A 32-year-old woman faces the same charges, police said.

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A 26-year-old man who is in critical condition in hospital has not yet been charged.

The fire department and police responded to a report of the explosion and fire at a home on Fifth Avenue near Des Meurons Street at about 5 a.m. Tuesday.

READ MORE: House explosion in St. Boniface critically injures man

They were given information that suggested someone may have broken into the home, but had fled after suffering injuries in the explosion and fire.

Emergency crews later found the 26-year-old suffering from serious injuries in the 1100 block of Smith Street. He was taken to hospital in critical condition, where he remains.

Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with more information to call them at 204-986-2857 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477.