The cause of explosion and fire remains undertermined, but unsuspicious in nature. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

emergency

House explosion leaves two people with severe burns

Oct 25, 2023 | 8:48 AM

Two out of three occupants of a house explosion last week are receiving care for severe burns.

According to La Ronge Regional Fire Department Chief Keaton Cloud, firefighters were dispatched at 3:48 p.m. on Oct. 19 to a Lac La Ronge Indian Band residence. It was reported there was a structure fire due to an explosion.

“On arrival, the structure was fully involved and already sustained significant damage from both the fire and explosion,” Cloud explained. “Firefighters were on scene for roughly three-and-a-half hours extinguishing and putting out several hotspots.”

There were three occupants in the house when the explosion occurred and they were all transported to hospital for treatment of their injuries. Homeowner Rod Sanderson told larongeNOW his son and daughter were inside the house when the explosion happened, along with band maintenance person Russell Charles, who was working on the furnace at the time.

“My daughter is fine. She was in her room when the explosion happened, and she happened to have her door closed at the time. I think due to her door being closed like that, the fireball or explosion that went through the house wasn’t able to get into her room at that time. There was a loud explosion and her room just shook she said and stuff came flying off of her wall,” Sanderson said.

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“My son was in the living room eating something and he’s here in Saskatoon at St. Paul’s Hospital. He received first and second degree burns to his legs, left arm and to his lower backside and various spots here and there.”

Charles, who bared the brunt of the explosion, has also been hospitalized.

“We send out our thoughts and prayers to Russell Charles and his family as well because they really need it as well,” Sanderson said.

The cause of the explosion, which is not considered suspicious in nature, remains under investigation with assistance from the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. The house has been declared a total loss and Sanderson added his family is grateful for the outpour of support since the incident occurred.

A benefit concert for the Sandersons will be held Nov. 4 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre. If any musicians are interested in performing, they are asked to call 1-306-420-5056 or 1-306-425-9630.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com