Fire officials were busy sifting through the rubble here after a house suddenly exploded on March 6 at 3:15pm.
OPP Constable Keith Robb estimated the total damage – to the building and its contents – to be about $436,600.
OPP officers, Centre Wellington firefighters, and Royal City Ambulance paramedics all responded to the blast at 311 Stornoway Drive. The house was basically rubble, and was to be removed.
None of the three family members was in the home at the time of the explosion. Two dogs and a cat were there, but they were unharmed.
Centre Wellington Building Inspector Bob Foster said on Monday the blast was likely caused by a natural gas leak in the home. Foster noted that there was some minor damage to the house immediately to the rear because the back door blew out and it damaged some brick work on a nearby residence.
Foster added that homeowner Stephen Cook has taken a temporary residence in Fergus, but due to insurance requirements, it could be up to four months before the home can be rebuilt.
Union Gas responded to the scene to assist and neighbours were evacuated temporarily until firefighters felt it was safe to return.
Victim Services Wellington was also called to the scene to provide support to the people involved.
Robb said the cause of the explosion has not been determined.
The Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office was on the scene the next day with other fire officials, and the fire marshal has now assumed the investigation.
