BC Hydro says Vancouver explosion caused by issue identified in 2016

Nearly four months after an explosion rocked a part of downtown Vancouver, leaving two people hurt, BC Hydro says a leaking gasket it knew about but didn’t fix was the culprit.

In an update on Thursday, June 22, the utility provider said its investigation into the Feb. 24 fire and explosion near the Marine Building was the result of “a build-up of combustible gases from a leaking gasket in the lid of an oil-filled switch.”

“The leak was caused by the use of incompatible materials when the gasket was repaired and maintained over time,” BC Hydro explained.

The utility says the “serious risks” identified were previously flagged as a concern.

BC Hydro explains in 2016, a review of underground street vaults found 14 such vaults — including the one that exploded on Burrard Street — “were classified as being a high risk to the public in the event of a failure.”

The review recommended the equipment be replaced by 2018. However, that never happened at the Burrard Street vault, with BC Hydro saying this location was “removed from the immediate project scope” so another vault could be replaced, in Gastown.

“The expectation was the Burrard Street vault would undergo maintenance,” the utility explains.

But in its update, BC Hydro says crews had challenges carrying out the maintenance, “because they did not have the proper information and instructions or the correct material to complete the work.”

The explosion and fire resulted in two people suffering facial burns and lacerations. The individuals were later reported to be in stable condition.

The incident also left some damage to surrounding buildings, with windows blown out and concrete having to be replaced.

“I sincerely apologize to the individuals and businesses that were affected, as well as to those who live or work nearby and our employees. We let you down and this should have never happened,” said BC Hydro President and CEO Chris O’Riley.

“Public and worker safety is our top priority. While I recognize that this incident does not reflect that, I am personally committed – along with the entire team at BC Hydro – to ensuring that safety comes first every day.”

BC Hydro says it’s identified what caused a fire and explosion near the Marine Building in downtown Vancouver in February 2023. (Courtesy Twitter/Scott Lockyer)

O’Riley says 13 other vaults identified in the 2016 assessment are now decommissioned – and do not pose a risk.

“I take responsibility on behalf of BC Hydro for the failures that have occurred – and this incident should never have happened.”

He adds a review of BC Hydro’s other underground infrastructure is scheduled to be completed by March 2024.

With files from Kier Junos