Update on Merivale Rd. Explosion Response and Investigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 14, 2021 9:20am

(Ottawa)—Multiple agencies including the Ottawa Police Service, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, the Ministry of Labour, Ottawa Fire and the Regional Coroner’s Office continue the investigation and search after yesterday’s explosion and fire at a commercial business located at 1995 Merivale Road.

Police and emergency crews have been working to locate all people who may have been at the site when the explosion occurred.

Unfortunately, one of the three men transported to hospital yesterday has succumbed to his injuries this morning. One man remains in hospital in serious but stable condition, the third was released from hospital. 

Five people continue to be unaccounted for and are missing. It is believed these individuals, four men and one woman, were at the building when the explosion occurred. Their identities will not be released at this time.

The families and loved ones of those individuals have been notified and are being supported by victim supports and investigators.

Recovery and investigative efforts are underway at the site. The site is heavily damaged and these efforts and investigations will take time.

It is not believed that any survivors will be found.

The Office of the Fire Marshal has sent numerous investigators and will be the lead to determine the origin and cause of the explosion and fire.

The Ottawa Police Arson Unit will act as agents for the Coroner and will be the lead investigative unit for the OPS.

The Ministry of Labour will conduct a parallel investigation.

Ottawa Fire Services will provide scene safety and logistical support.

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, January 13, 2022    6:40pm 

Merivale Road Explosion Response and Investigation

(Ottawa)— The emergency response to an explosion at a Merivale Road building continues this evening and an investigation into its cause has begun by the Ottawa Police, the Ministry of Labour and the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office.

Police, firefighters and paramedics were called to a business at 1995 Merivale Road at 1:29pm this afternoon. Ottawa Fire Services led the at-scene response.

Three people who were injured have been taken to hospital to date. 

A family reunification centre has been set up by the City of Ottawa at the Woodvale Pentecostal Church, located at 205 Greenbank Road, to ensure everyone who was working at this location is accounted for.

We are asking that all families and employees attend the reunification centre this evening. Supports have been put in place for all affected families and loved ones.

Emergency crews continue to search the facility/site and monitor the scene for flare ups.

Road closures will remain in place on Merivale Road for at least the next several hours. We are asking people to continue to avoid the area.

More information will be shared as it becomes available. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366