July 20, 2008 - Toronto fire hazmat and decon respond to a late morning explosion that occured in a hydro-vault room of a high-rise apartment building results in a blaze that releases toxic smoke.

The incident took place at Secord Avenue near Dawes Road and Danforth Avenue in the East End section of the city.

The apartment building and a nearby townhouse complex were evacuated to the nearby Secord Elementary School as a precaution due to the toxic smoke.

Six people suffer minor injuries - three with second degree burns.

A fire chief told local news sources that the explosion moved cars and lifted a fire engine already on the scene, off the ground.


Officials say the explosion may have caused significant damage to the building. And that structural engineers will determine the severity of damage before people are allowed to return.