Overview

On Thursday afternoon, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) sprang into action, responding to a shocking explosion and fire at a six-plex located in the Mahogany community, a bustling neighborhood in the city’s southeast. The distressing incident unfolded around 3:15 p.m. when multiple emergency calls flooded in regarding flames and smoke engulfing the building at 167 Mahogany Gardens S.E.

Eyewitness Accounts & Injuries

Responders arrived on the scene to witness a significant fire, with reports confirming that one of the units had completely collapsed. Eyewitness accounts reveal that several townhouses were ablaze, signaling a dire situation that required immediate action. Frank van Dongen, a resident living across the street, recounted the chaos: "The one right next to it, you can see people are actively living there. But the one with the door open, people just moved in there a couple of months ago... and now this happens," he lamented.

The incident left four individuals injured, including two civilians and two firefighters who bravely fought the flames. One civilian was transported to South Calgary Urgent Care in stable condition, while the others received treatment on-site. Scott Cowan, a battalion chief with CFD, emphasized the danger responders faced, stating, “Crews definitely were risking themselves... but they were doing it for the sake of the citizens inside.”

Evacuations and Community Impact

As a precaution, numerous neighboring homes were evacuated due to the fire's proximity and volatile nature, while transit buses were deployed to provide warmth to displaced residents. Fortunately, the unit that collapsed was unoccupied at the time of the explosion, but the impact on the community was profound. Social media buzz indicated a consistent smell of gas in the area leading up to the blast, raising concerns among residents.

Authorities' Response

In light of the explosion, police have warned that over 500 homes in the Mahogany area could experience disturbances to their power and gas services. Roads surrounding the incident site were closed off as fire crews continued their work into the night, trying to ensure the safety of all involved.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For residents of Mahogany, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of home safety and the importance of emergency preparedness. Stay tuned for further developments!