Massive fire at Toronto propane depot forces thousands to flee

Highway 401 shut in both directions, 3 subway stations closed

Thousands of people fled their homes in a residential neighbourhood of Toronto early Sunday following a series of explosions and a massive fire at a propane depot.

Police report at least two injuries involving people hit by broken glass and fiery debris that shot into the air after the initial blast, just before 4 a.m. ET.


One man lost his balance and fell while running from the scene, where a huge fireball lit up the sky. Tony Testa said he suffered burns to his back from falling debris.

Officers brought in buses to take residents out of the area after the multiple explosions began.

A fire official said people living in a 1.6-kilometre radius have been forced out of their homes. Many were taken to the nearby Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

CBC