Two die in north Edmonton apartment explosion after car hits gas line
An 85-year-old man jumped from a balcony; his 82-year-old wife was found dead Tuesday. Six others hospitalized, 35 displaced.
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Two people have died in a north Edmonton apartment explosion after a vehicle crashed into the building and ruptured a gas line.
The 85-year-old man died after jumping from a third-floor balcony to escape the flames Monday night at 9:15 p.m. His wife, 82, was found dead inside the building Tuesday and confirmed dead Wednesday by Edmonton police. The couple were spouses and long-time residents of the apartment building at 82 Street and 131 Avenue in Killarney.
Their grandson described them as independent people who had lived in Canada for over 30 years and were active members of the Sikh community. "They were best friends — one could not live without the other," he said. "They show what true love really is."
Six residents were taken to hospital. A 62-year-old man driving the vehicle that struck the building sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Another person who was initially unaccounted for has been located safe.
The blast displaced 35 residents from the 16-unit building, which has businesses on the main floor and apartments above. Fire crews took three hours to bring the blaze under control. Police classified the incident as a mass casualty event and launched an investigation through its homicide unit.
The facts
How did the apartment explosion happen?
A vehicle crashed into the building at 82 Street and 131 Avenue in Killarney and ruptured a gas line, causing the explosion.
When did the explosion occur?
The explosion happened on Monday, July 14, 2026 at 9:15 p.m.
How many people died?
Two people died: an 85-year-old man who jumped from a third-floor balcony and his 82-year-old wife who was found dead inside the building.
How many residents were displaced?
The blast displaced 35 residents from the 16-unit building in north Edmonton.
How many people were hospitalized?
Six residents were taken to hospital, plus the 62-year-old driver of the vehicle that struck the building, who sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
