(rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

New building coming

Prairie Bus Lines says victims of explosion in January are expected to make full recovery

May 23, 2025 | 3:16 PM

Prairie Bus Lines, a longtime transportation provider in central Alberta for over 60 years, has provided an update on an incident in January that sent five people to hospital after an explosion in their building.

At mid-afternoon on Jan. 9, Red Deer Emergency Services responded to a report of a structure explosion and fire at the Prairie Bus Lines location at 5310 54 Street.

Witnesses on the scene reported seeing two individuals leave the building on fire, but at the time RDES, was unable to confirm that claim.

However, five civilians were taken to the Red Deer Regional Hospital with injuries, two seriously injured.

Safe Harbour, which is located next to Prairie Bus Lines and across the street from the emergency homeless shelter, said at the time that members of the Safe Harbour and Recovery Alberta medical teams, plus guests at the shelter, were first on scene after the explosion to help those injured.

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Eventually, the fire was controlled and later that evening extinguished. RDES also noted at the time that all five injured were employees.

In an emailed statement on Friday, Prairie Bus Lines said they are grateful to report that the employees who were in the building at the time of the explosion are on the road to a full recovery. They’d like to thanks EMS, hospital, and rehabilitation staff for the care and support received.

The Prairie Bus Lines building was knocked down after the incident and as a result, the Red Deer location temporarily moved its operation to the west side of the city.

They are currently working with local contractors on the design and approvals for a new building to be built at the same location, which is expected to be completed in eight to 12 months.

The investigation by OH&S remains ongoing but Red Deer Emergency Services says it was deemed not suspicious.

“Prairie Bus Lines remains dedicated to providing safe and reliable service for the Red Deer community,” as written in the statement.