Kitchener, Ont. house explosion that injured 4 now deemed 'criminal in nature'

The Ontario Fire Marshal's Office has determined an explosion at a Kitchener, Ont. townhouse Wednesday night, that left four people injured, was criminal in nature.

The Ontario Fire Marshal's Office has determined an explosion at a Kitchener, Ont. townhouse Wednesday night, that left four people injured, was criminal in nature.

Waterloo regional police said emergency services were called to the area of Elm Ridge Drive and Queen's Boulevard around 11:40 p.m.

Two children were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and have since been released, while a man and woman were transported to a hospital outside the region with serious injuries.

On Thursday night, a press release from police stated that the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office determined that the explosion was "criminal in nature." They added: "The investigation is ongoing by [Waterloo regional police]'s General Investigations Unit and Drugs and Firearms Unit and the OFM."

The blast blew out the home's windows and doors and scattered debris across the yard. Neighbouring units also suffered significant structural damage and had to be evacuated, police said.

Lincoln Jeffries lives in the complex and said he heard a rumble before another family member yelled at him to grab his young son.