Brampton propane explosions

(Update)

Around 9:30pm, a series of explosions rocked Brampton. Early reports say it happened at the Air Liquide plant on Steeles Avenue East.

This is a live shot from as close to the scene as we are allowed to take our camera tonight. Shortly after the blasts, Twitter lit up with comments from people living in the area — talking about the force of the blasts — how their homes were shaking, and how the blasts continued. Others say the sky is being coloured bright orange by the flames. The city’s mayor Susan Fennell took to Twitter warning residents to stay away — as well as to move any cars parked nearby — as the area is being described as unstable — and there’s a concern gas tanks can explode. She is also imploring people not to drive by to see what’s happening. And Fennell adds an evacuation is underway.

Right now police say the fire is under control, but the big concern is the possibility of more propane tanks exploding from the heat of the fire. There is a 30,000 gallon propane tank near the flames. Firefighters are wetting it down to keep it cool. But if they have to pull back then there would be evacuations. One employee at the plant has facial burns and has gone to the hospital, and a CN Rail line nearby has been closed.