An explosion in Wellington County tonight has sent 3 people to hospital.

It happened in Guelph Eramosa inside a body shop garage. Neighbours describe the terrifying moment they saw a man run out of the garage engulfed in flames.

“I could see debris flying and I could feel movement in the home.”

Jeff Hughes saw what happened from across the street.

“One man was on fire and his friend was trying to put the flames out with his hands. Within 5 minutes the whole thing was engulfed in flames. There were a lot of mini explosions going off inside.”

Police and fire were called just before 5 tonight for an explosion with a house fire on Erin Townline.

The fire was knocked down quickly but not before one man was airlifted to a trauma centre and two others were sent to a nearby hospital.

Smoke filled the air after the flames were put out.

“Because this was a body shop, it did have paints and thinners. It does give a different smell. Keep windows closed for the night.”

The fire was contained to the shop which was destroyed. Fire crews could be seen dousing hot spots. The back of a pick up truck was also badly damaged.

The owners of the home didn’t want to speak with CHCH on camera.

Neighbours say Terrance Saunders works in the shop behind the house.

“I was watching TV and the house shook.Things blew up. It scared the hell outta me. I saw he guy, it is his shop, he came around the corner and had no clothes on.”

Witnesses say Saunders was taken to a burn unit for treatment.

To ensure the fire was put out, crews used thermal imaging.

“This is a dicey situation right now where we don’t want to wreck any evidence during the overhaul.”

The Ontario Fire Marshal has been called to investigate the cause of the fire.