Toronto propane explosion

43°43′57″N 79°28′22″W / 43.73250°N 79.47278°W / 43.73250; -79.47278

Toronto propane explosion
The explosions seen from midtown Toronto, Ontario.
DateAugust 10, 2008 (2008-08-10)
Time03:50 ET
Location54 Murray Road
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
CauseIllegal tank-to-tank transfer of propane, resulting in a gas hose leak
Deaths2

The Toronto propane explosion (also known as the Sunrise Propane incident) was a series of explosions and ensuing fire that took place on the morning of August 10, 2008, in the Downsview neighbourhood of North York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[1] The explosions occurred at the Sunrise Propane Industrial Gases propane facility, located near Keele Street and Wilson Avenue around 03:50 ET.[2] The blasts caused thousands of people to be evacuated from their homes and cost C$1.8 million to clean up, half of which was paid by the province of Ontario.[3][4] An employee of Sunrise died in the initial explosions and a firefighter died of cardiac arrest the next day while at the scene.[2][5]

  1. ^ Freeman, Sunny; Taylor, Bill (2008-08-10). "Firefighter dies, thousands flee propane plant blasts". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  2. ^ a b "Firefighter dies battling huge fire at propane depot". CBC.ca. 2008-08-10. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  3. ^ "Toronto barbecue marks Sunrise blast 1 year ago". CBC. 2009-08-09. Archived from the original on 2009-08-13. Retrieved 2009-08-10.
  4. ^ Wingrove, Josh; Tu Thanh Ha; Trevisan, Matthew (2008-08-10). "Following massive blaze, Torontonians given all-clear". The Globe and Mail, Canadian Press. Archived from the original on 2008-08-13. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  5. ^ "Illegal propane transfer completed before Sunrise blast: driver". CBC.ca. 2008-09-03. Archived from the original on 2010-04-30. Retrieved 2008-09-03.