Massive explosion flattens buildings in Nipawin
A massive explosion has rocked the downtown area of Nipawin, flattening at least two buildings and leaving at least two blocks near the city's main strip cordoned off.
According to town residents, BJ's Sausage and Meats was the site of the explosion and was completely destroyed. While details are sketchy, it is believed the explosion was caused when someone operating a backhoe hit a gas main.
Bodies by Choice, a gym in the city of 5,000 people, was also reportedly destroyed. The TruValue store is said to be threated by fire, reported one town resident.
The explosion was so intense, said another resident, people in the Kingfisher Inn 1.5 kilometres away felt a tremour.
"It just gave you a really eerie feeling," said Karen Karle, an employee at the hotel.
"The power went out at the same time."
People coming into the inn have told Karle that the entire downtown has been cordoned off, and people living nearby have been evacuated.
There are no reports of any deaths. Some people have been taken to hospital for undisclosed injuries.
Nipawin is approximately 250 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.
*The StarPhoenix
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