Drug labs
Man charged after explosion inside condo blows out
elevator doors
CTV News Toronto
Kendra Mangione
18
November 2014
A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with an explosion at a
Toronto condo building that police say may have been caused by a
"clandestine drug lab."
First responders were called to a building on East Liberty Street
shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Monday after residents reported an
explosion. It happened inside a sixth-floor condo unit.
Police say the suspect was seen making his way out of that unit after
the blast. He suffered minor burns to his hands and face, and managed
to get himself to a hospital. Police say he was treated for his
injuries, before being arrested. It is unclear how he managed to walk
away from the explosion.
Police say the blast was so powerful it blew out doors and windows of
the condo. Police say three elevators across from the unit also came
crashing down to the main floor as a result of the blast. The doors of
the elevators were also blown out.
Const. David Hopkinson says police suspect the condo unit was the site
of a drug lab. Police have not said what kind of drugs may have been
involved.
At the time, firefighters were told that it was a stove explosion,
Toronto Fire Platoon Chief Kevin Shaw told CP24's Cam Woolley.
Investigators believed natural gas may have caused the explosion, but
after examining the scene, they found highly explosive chemicals. The
chemicals, including acetone, are often used in making drugs, Shaw said
Tuesday.
Officers from the Toronto Police drug squad were investigating at the
scene earlier Tuesday.
After the blast, residents of the condo were temporarily evacuated.
Capt. Adrian Ratushniak, of Toronto Fire Services, estimates the
explosion caused approximately $120,000 in damages.
Andre Hagen has been charged with possession for the purpose of
trafficking. He made a brief court appearance Tuesday, and is scheduled
to make another one on Friday. It's believed he will face additional
charges.
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