On January 25, 2014, at approximately 1:05am, St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP responded to a loud explosion followed by a large fire in the RM of De Salaberry, near Otterburne, Manitoba.
Scene of gas pipeline fire near Otterburne, Manitoba.
St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP confirmed that the fire is coming from a natural gas pipeline. Trans-Canada Pipeline has advised that they have isolated the pipe and the burning gas is non-toxic. Trans-Canada Pipeline also advised that they do not expect a disruption of service to their clients.
Police say that five houses within the vicinity of the fire were evacuated by RCMP and St-Pierre-Jolys Fire Department. People will remain evacuated until the site is deemed safe to return.
St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP, along with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and Trans-Canada Pipeline, are investigating the cause of the explosion. No injuries have been reported and it is unknown at this time if the cause is accidental or criminal.
Update
St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP report that the cause of the explosion is not suspicious in nature. All evacuated residents have been permitted to go home. For residents affected by the natural gas outage, please contact your local officials for more information.
