Overview of the Incident

A devastating fire that resulted in an explosion in a northeast Calgary townhome over the weekend is now believed to have been deliberately set, according to police investigations.

Police Investigation and Charges

On Tuesday, the Calgary Police Service filed charges related to this alarming incident that occurred in Monterey Park, leaving six individuals hospitalized and causing significant damage to four nearby townhomes.

Timeline of Events

The chaos unfolded just after 11 p.m. on Saturday night, when authorities responded to reports of a fire in the 0 to 100 block of Las Americas Villas N.E. Initial findings indicate that the fire originated from an explosion within the townhome, igniting a swift spread to adjoining residences and injuring multiple victims.

Injuries and Victims

Emergency medical teams transported six individuals to the hospital, with one person in life-threatening condition, another suffering from serious injuries, while four others were reported stable, according to Alberta Health Services.

Suspect Identification

Law enforcement officials revealed that a man allegedly used an accelerant to ignite the fire inside his residence, leading to the catastrophic explosion and fire. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Gavin Peter Robinson from Calgary, has been charged with arson and disregard for human life.

Legal Proceedings

Robinson is set to appear in court on Wednesday, raising the possibility of lengthy legal proceedings ahead. The community is left reeling from the incident, prompting discussions on safety and fire prevention measures.

Community Impact and Response

As investigations continue, police urge anyone with additional information to come forward. This horrifying event serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behavior, and the community is left questioning how such an act could occur in their neighborhood. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!