Arbour Lake crash sparks destructive house fire

CALGARY – What started as a car crash on Wednesday night, quickly turned into a massive fire that damaged three northwest homes.

A minivan lost control around 11 p.m. while travelling near the 200 block of Arbour Meadows Close N.W., climbing the curb and striking the veranda of a nearby home.

The car continued on, hitting a second house and sending debris flying into a third home.

Officials say the debris struck the gas meter at the third home, severing the supply line which in turn ignited, causing a small explosion.

Two homes caught fire in the explosion, forcing fire crews to evacuate the houses on either side as a precaution.

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The fires caused extensive damage to the two homes, and a third received damage to the siding and roof.

Crews say the blaze was especially challenging to fight, because there was burning natural gas being leaked from the gas meter.

In addition, homeowners on the block lost power because the driver of the minivan also knocked over a transformer located in one of the yards.

The driver of the vehicle was rushed to hospital in serious condition, but has since been released.