This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Arbour Lake Minivan Crash Causes Explosion, 2 Homes Go Up In Flames

Homes Burst Into Flames Following Crash
detroit firefighters.
Shutterstock
detroit firefighters.

A dramatic minivan crash Wednesday night quickly turned into a massive blaze that ate away at three northwest Calgary homes.

A minivan lost control late last night while travelling near the 200 block of Arbour Meadows N.W., jumping the curb and crashing into two homes, Calgary police said in a news release.

The crash ruptured one of the home's gas line, causing a small explosion and becoming "a flame-thrower," witness Travis Stark told the Calgary Herald.

The explosion caused the second house to catch fire.

According to CBC, six nearby homes were evacuated as fire crews were forced to fight the fire while gas from the damaged gas metre continued to burn.

“The trick comes in trying to extinguish a fire (while) trying to keep the gas fire burning,” Calgary Fire Department battalion Chief Ernie Molineaux told the Calgary Herald.

“If we put out the gas fire it will create a big cloud in the vicinity, and it can explode and cause even more damage.”

A third home also sustained surface damage.

Also on HuffPost

Peachland Fire 2012

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.