Ministry of Labour investigating house explosion near Uxbridge

Two men are in a Toronto hospital in critical condition after a house explosion in Zephyr, near Uxbridge.

Patricia Harnett, the sister of one of them, said she got the call about what happened and couldn’t believe what she heard.

“It hurts, he’s my baby brother,” says Harnett. “I used to look after him when he was younger.”

Emergency crews were called to the home on Tuesday evening. One man was taken to hospital by Ornge ambulance.

Harnett told Global News her brother Darryl received third-degree burns in the blast, leaving him in life-threatening condition.

“The doctor said it’s going to take a long time to heal. He’s going to have to have rehab afterwards,” Harnett added. “We’re hoping for the best.”

0:40 Emergency officials on scene after reported house explosion in Whitby

Harnett’s brother and a furnace technician are at Sunnybrook Hospital after officials say there was an explosion near the furnace.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Harnett says they are scratching their heads trying to figure out what happened.

“He got somebody in, a guy that does furnaces to light the pilot. That’s all I know about it. Now it means, he’s in an induced coma.”

The damage to the home can be seen from the side of the house. The siding has been forced out, while the window appears to have been shattered from the blast. Neighbours in the area came rushing to help after it happened.

“When we came outside, because we heard a commotion, we saw the worker and my neighbour pacing back and forth,” says neighbour Christina. “I’m lost for words, because I never thought it happen so close, or to someone that I know.”

The Ministry of Labour confirms it is looking into the blast. It was reported to them the technician was turning on a propane tank connected to the furnace. The office of the fire marshall is also helping with the investigation.