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VIDEO: Large explosion rocks Lower Mainland shopping centre

Vehicle destroyed in morning blast in complex with nearby shops and a child care centre

An explosion destroyed a truck at the Willoughby Town Centre, damaging at least one other vehicle and drawing a huge police and firefighter response Wednesday morning.

The incident took place around 10 a.m. on July 26, and shook nearby buildings, alarming residents in the neighbourhood.

Olivia Bowra was at home which overlooks the incident site. The explosion was near a child care centre.

“When it exploded, it made my entire house shake, and I thought my window was going to explode. No damage that I know of though,” she said.

The explosion appears to have been centred in a work vehicle.

The blast is thought to have been associated with a welding truck related to nearby construction, said Cpl. Craig van Herk, spokesperson for the Langley RCMP.

One vehicle was reduced to rubble and at least one other appears to have been damaged by the blast. Leaves were torn off nearby trees and scattered across the pavement.

The adjacent construction site evacuated all 96 employees until it was safe to return. Work stopped at a 92-unit mixed-use condo development called Block B, and the builder VC Management Inc. reported that some workers vehicles were damaged.

No injuries have been reported, van Herk said.

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READ ALSO: BC Hydro was warned vault was dangerous years before Vancouver explosion

READ ALSO: Device found along railway tracks was explosive: Vernon RCMP


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Have a story tip? Email: kyler.emerson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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Kyler Emerson

About the Author: Kyler Emerson

I'm honoured to focus my career in the growing community of Aldergrove and work with our many local organizations.
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