Illegal drug lab may have sparked deadly Langley fire, explosion: RCMP
Posted March 3, 2025 9:58 am.
Last Updated March 3, 2025 10:09 am.
The Langley RCMP is confirming Monday that a person has been found dead after an explosion ignited a massive fire last week.
“Over the past few days, investigators have remained on-site to meticulously examine the scene. I can confirm that a deceased person has been located inside the residence,” said Sgt. Zynal Sharoom.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!“We are working with the BC Coroners service to identify the deceased individual.”
The incident happened on Friday, Feb. 28, when emergency services were called around 10:40 a.m. after reports of smoke and flames near the intersection of 196 Street and 73A Avenue.
“Preliminary examination of the scene has investigators focused on the cause of the explosion and fire which may be consistent with what is found at an illegal drug extraction labs. However, it may take time to reach a definitive conclusion, as a thorough investigation and expert analysis are required,” Mounties shared.
The explosion and ensuing fire flattened two homes and damaged another three. BC Emergency Health Services told 1130 NewsRadio on Friday that paramedics treated two patients in critical condition who were transported away from the scene and then to hospital in air ambulance helicopters.
Witnesses in the neighbourhood said the fire started with a “bang.” One neighbour explained that the explosion felt like a truck striking her home.
“I came out, and the roof was in the front yard, and then two gentlemen came out of the wreckage. And then the fire immediately started, and it spread really fast,” she told CityNews.
“I saw these two houses be evacuated, and I imagine the ones surrounding… I did wonder for a moment if this would be the case for us. But the fire department got here remarkably fast, and they’ve done a really tremendous job.”
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With files from Charles Brockman.
