One person has been confirmed dead in an explosion at a Langley location on Sunday afternoon and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has take oversight of the investigation.
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“We are still in the early stages of our investigation. We are working with the Langley RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit and Arson Unit to advance what’s now become a homicide investigation,” says Sergeant Timothy Pierotti of IHIT.
RCMP Sgt. Joe Leeson said multiple police and fire units responded to several calls about 2:17 p.m. in the 24300 block of 8th Avenue.
“There were numerous reports to us about an explosion, so Township of Langley fire and [police] attended and confirmed yes, there was a large explosion” Leeson told the Langley Advance Times. “There was a fire [and] propane or fuel-type tanks that were still on fire.”
Nine fire department apparatus responded, using tenders to shuttle water.
A resident of the area, who did not want to be named, described the impact of the blast.
“It blew open a door and a window [in my house].”
The fire department extinguished fire in an outbuilding on the rural property, and the Langley RCMP attended the scene.
During the processing of the scene, fire fighters located human remains inside the outbuilding. In consultation with the BC Coroners Service, IHIT took conduct of the investigation. IHIT continues to work closely in partnership with the Langley RCMP Detachment, BC Coroners Service and the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS).
Age and gender of the deceased has not been released.
Cause of the explosion has not been determined.
Police remained on the scene Monday morning.
“Our investigators will continue to be in the area throughout the upcoming days, canvassing for witnesses and for residential CCTV footage,” Pierotti said. “If you have information and have yet to speak with police, please contact IHIT or the Langley RCMP immediately.”
Anyone who was driving in the are of 24300 block of 8th Avenue between noon and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22, is asked to contact IHIT at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. As well, anyone with dashcam footage or anyone with information about this case is asked to contact IHIT.
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