PRINCE GEORGE

Monday, August 28, 2023

Last Tuesday’s 7 am explosion of a closed downtown business caused damage to several buildings in and around the explosion site…

The City of Prince George says in a news release that more than 50 businesses suffered residual damage and nine buildings surrounding the explosion site had their windows blown out. The UNBC Research Lab was seriously damaged from the blast and fire. The research facility was opened in May of 2018 and is apart of the Wood Innovation and Design Centre.

A section of roadway on Dominion Street between 4th and 5th Ave remains closed to the public while crews continue to investigate the cause. PG Fire Crews are no longer on scene, however, RCMP remain on site.

The explosion of the former Achillion Greek Cuisine on 4th Ave injured three people, including a city worker who was flown to Vancouver for treatment of serious injuries. She is now out of the ICU as of Monday. A GoFundMe account has been set up.

Total damage estimates are still being worked out.

Deputy Fire chief, Clayton Sheen, is thanking his crews and other teams at the City and the RCMP for their collaboration and support during a complex response.

“All the divisions worked together last week on what was a larger than normal fire event. We appreciate the hard work of our crews and the RCMP and other responders,” Deputy chief Sheen said. “On behalf of everyone at the City we’re also sending our best wishes to our fellow staff member Victoria on a speedy recovery.”