At
11:47 a.m., the York Township Fire Department received a call for an
explosion on Cobalt Street near the intersection of Jane Street and
Weston Road. The Platoon Chief's car (Car 6), Fire Department Ambulance
(Car 8), Pumpers 1, 2, and 5, and a crew of 21 men responded. Workers
were opening a sewer in front of number 21 Cobalt, and ruptured a gas
service pipe causing the explosion. Three women, and three men were taken to Northwestern General Hospital and Humber Memorial Hospital to be treated.
Number 21 Cobalt was completely demolished, with no contents saved. The
estimated value of the building was $10,000, and about $5,000 worth of
contents were destroyed. Neighbouring houses at number 19 and 23 Cobalt
sustained $6000.00 and $8400.00 building damages respectively. Each
neighbouring residence also sustained about $2000.00 contents damage.
Fire crews remained on the scene until 5:29 p.m. A crane had to be brought in to complete the demolition of the property, and assist fire fighters with overhaul.
The explosion was investigated by the Ontario Fire Marshal's office.
See more pictures of the Cobalt Street Explosion in the York Fire Photo Album