Kitchener house explosion sends 2 adults, 2 children to hospital

Four people, including two children, are in hospital following a townhouse explosion in Kitchener, Ont. late Wednesday night.

Waterloo Regional Police Service say emergency crews responded around 11:40 p.m. to the area of Elm Ridge Dr. and Queen’s Blvd.

Officers say an explosion occurred inside a residence and caused extensive damage. Neighbouring units also sustained significant structural damage.

Paramedics transported a man and woman with serious injuries to a hospital outside of the region, while two children with minor injuries were brought to a local hospital.

Increased presence in the area of Elm Ridge Drive, between Queen Street and Silver Aspen Crescent, in Kitchener for reports of a residential fire.

Two individuals have been transported to hospital.

More information will be released when available.

Please avoid area. pic.twitter.com/RrQU5a9yF0

— Waterloo Regional Police (@WRPSToday) January 19, 2023

A Grand River Transit bus was called in to provide shelter to displaced residents. Officers say the Red Cross will also assist people.

The Ontario Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate.

The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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