A massive fire in Calgary has left several families homeless after an explosion and fire at an apartment complex early Monday morning.
Emergency crews were called to a five-unit building in the Highland Park neighborhood just after 3:30 a.m., where witnesses reported an explosion that blew out windows and doors before the flames quickly spread.
Resident Thalia Nimijen-Sandoval said she was sleeping when the explosion occurred. “I was sleeping and I heard a big explosion and the lock on our front door broke,” she told CTV.
According to their account, “the entire five-plex building was engulfed in flames within minutes.”
“I lost everything. I have two kids and I’m pregnant, and we lost everything, and I’m in a state of shock,” she said, “I’m trying to help my family, but I’m just terrified.”
Trish Harris, another resident, described the moment of the explosion.
“I thought I heard a bang. I don’t know what it was, but then I felt something, it felt like something hit my back,” he told CTV.
“Then all of a sudden, everything in front of me, the doors blow away.”
Harris said she lost personal items, including items belonging to her son. “It’s all gone. I have nothing left of it.”
At least three units were destroyed, while others were rendered uninhabitable. One person was treated for smoke inhalation. Investigation into the cause is ongoing.
