By Corey Fischer

Update: Home That Exploded Was Used To Make Drugs

Jul 6, 2018 | 1:35 PM

Update:

Police say a West Kelowna home that exploded and caught fire was being used in the production of drugs.

One person died in Wednesday’s incident on Elliot Road — identified on social media as 19 year old David Hunt — and two others are in critical condition.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but police have ruled out arson.

“RCMP officers continue to secure the scene, while investigators utilize heavy equipment to search through what’s left of the home. “RCMP appreciate the public’s patience as periodic closures along Elliott Road may be required for the safety of those at the scene,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

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Photo courtesy of Global Okanagan

July 5:

One person has died after an explosion and house fire in West Kelowna.

Four people were injured in the incident on Elliot Road Wednesday night — two who were airlifted to a burn unit in Vancouver.

RCMP and fire officials are still investigating the cause.

“At the time of the fire there were four people inside the residence who were transported to hospital for treatment.” Cpl. Meghan Foster of the West Kelowna RCMP says, “Sadly one person has died, having succumbed to his injuries in hospital, two have been deemed critical, and a fourth person has been released with minor injuries.”

The West Kelowna RCMP and Fire Department are working collectively to determine the cause of the fire, and investigators will remain at the property for the next few days to process the scene and collect evidence.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

6 am

Four people have been injured in a house fire in West Kelowna.

Firefighters were called just after 9 last night to the Elliott Road area where residents reported multiple explosions with flames and smoke coming from a single family home..

Crews from the Westbank fire station were the first to arrive and found the house fully involved in flames and the occupants with serious burn injuries.

Seventeen firefighters and 7 fire trucks from the Westbank, Lakeview Heights, Glenrosa and Rose Valley fire stations responded to the 2 alarm fire.

An excavator was brought in to assist with putting out the fire.

Additional off duty personnel were also called back to protect the city while the fire was being fought.

It’s not been determined what caused the explosions and fire.

Meanwhile, West Kelowna firefighters were called out just before 11 last night to put out a grass fire in the Casa Loma area.

They found a fire about 50 feet by 50 feet near Campbell Road and burning into a large Pine tree in an orchard.

Crews and 4 apparatus from Lakeview Heights, Westbank and Rose Valley fire stations knocked it down while protecting three nearby homes from catching fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and fire inspectors will attend the scene today.

by Corey Fischer