Woman killed in Mississauga home explosion

A woman was killed and nine other people were injured in a massive house explosion on Hickory Drive near Dixie Road in Mississauga on Tuesday.

Peel police couldn’t say if the victim was inside the home that exploded just after 4 p.m.

Approximately 58 homes have had their utilities cut off for the investigation, displacing up to 100 residents.

Mississauga fire chief Tim Beckett said one house was reduced to rubble while at least six others were “extremely damaged.” Other homes suffered minor structural damage.

Beckett said it’s too early to determine what caused the blast, but gas lines are being shut off as a precaution and the area has been cordoned off for an investigation.

Beckett said 700 addresses are impacted by the tight perimeter closed off for the investigation overnight between Eastgate Parkway, Rathburn Road, Golden Orchard Drive and Dixie Road.

Mayor Crombie said family reunification is a priority at this point, urges displaced residents to head to Burnhamthorpe Community Centre. Peel police said there is no estimated time of return for residents that have been displaced.

A witness named Dave told CityNews that he had just gotten into his truck when the blast happened.

“I close the door and my truck literally jumped off the ground two feet,” he explained.

“I thought my truck had exploded and then I saw a bunch of debris (and) smashed glass. All the garage doors in the townhouse complex were completely blown through.”

Nearby Burnhamthorpe Community Centre at 1500 Gulleden Dr. is being set up as a temporary shelter for displaced residents.