(rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

oh&s on site to investigate

Five in hospital after explosion at business near downtown Red Deer

Jan 9, 2025 | 3:59 PM

An explosion inside a mechanic shop near downtown Red Deer has reportedly injured five people, two seriously. 

At approximately 3:22 p.m. on Jan. 9, Red Deer Emergency Services received a report of a structure explosion at Prairie Bus Lines (5310 54 Street) and issued a second alarm response, sending four engines, one aerial unit, as well as an investigative team, ambulances, and RCMP. 

Witnesses on the scene reported seeing two individuals leave the building on fire, but Cole Starling, assistant deputy fire chief with RDES, was unable to confirm that claim. He did disclose, however, that five civilians were taken to the Red Deer Regional Hospital with injuries; no RDES employees have sustained injuries. 

Residents are asked to stay clear of the area while crews control the scene. 

As of 4:10 p.m. this afternoon, “The ‘under control’ benchmark had not yet been attained, but the flames had mostly been knocked down, with smoke mostly controlled in the area. But due to the impact to the structure, limited operations will occur,” said Starling.  

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The City of Red Deer, RDES and RCMP offered an update just before 7 p.m. saying the fire was out at last, also noting the five injured were all employees at the site. They added that police remain on scene and that investigators from OH&S were en route.

No evacuations were needed for the surrounding buildings, and Starling said initial assessments indicated there was only damage to the building where the fire originated

Once the structure is safe, Starling said the fire investigation team will begin determining how the fire began and whether or not it’s suspicious.  

Perry Goddard, executive director at Safe Harbour, which is located next to Prairie Bus Lines and across the street from the emergency homeless shelter, told rdnewsNOW that members of the Safe Harbour medical team, and guests at the shelter, were first on scene after the explosion to help those injured.

(rdnewsNOW/Jordan Rein)