A house fire in British Columbia that left one person dead and two others in critical condition last week appears to be linked to an illegal drug extraction lab, says the RCMP.
Police received reports of an explosion and fire at a home in the 7300 block of 196 Street in Langley, B.C., at around 10:40 a.m. on Feb. 28, which led to street closures and the evacuation of residents in the surrounding area.
The incident left two people critically injured, who were treated on site by paramedics before being transported to hospital by air ambulance, B.C. Emergency Health Services spokesperson Rachelle Bown told The Epoch Times in a statement. The fire, which spread to nearby homes, also left one person unaccounted for.
Photos and videos from the scene posted on social media show flames engulfing a home and spreading to neighbouring residences, while thick smoke billows into the air.
Investigators say initial evidence may be consistent with illegal drug activity, but further investigation is needed, according to a March 3 press release by the Langley RCMP.
“Preliminary examination of the scene has investigators focused on the cause of the explosion and fire which may be consistent with what is found at an illegal drug extraction lab,” RCMP said.
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“However, it may take time to reach a definitive conclusion, as a thorough investigation and expert analysis are required.”
In their March 3 update, the RCMP said they found a dead person inside the residence and are working with the B.C. Coroners to identify the body. The B.C. Coroners Service is a government agency tasked with investigating unexpected or unexplained deaths in the province.
Langley RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom told The Epoch Times authorities remain in the area to investigate, and that a timeline for the investigation cannot be determined as they continue to gather evidence. Sharoom did not provide an update on the health status of the two injured people, citing privacy concerns.
Clandestine laboratories pose fire and explosion hazards to operators, nearby residents, and first responders due to solvents and highly concentrated gases, according to the RCMP.
Other risks include exposure to toxic chemicals or strong drugs, poisoned air, contaminated walls and well water, leaking or damaged chemical containers or compressed gas cylinders, chemicals that ignite when exposed to air or water, electrical hazards, and the potential for booby traps.
Clandestine labs are often set up in upscale family dwellings, farms, rural properties, warehouses, automotive shops, truck boxes, and car trunks.
Small clandestine labs, such as those in car trunks, can pose the greatest risk because of their simplicity and portability, the RCMP says. “Criminals can mix the ingredients in soda bottles that can become volatile and explosive.”
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
