St. Thomas police lay arson charges following apartment complex explosion

A 41-year-old man is facing multiple charges on Monday, including arson, after an explosion at an affordable housing complex left dozens of residents displaced.

A 41-year-old man is facing multiple charges on Monday, including arson, after an explosion at an affordable housing complex left dozens of residents displaced.

According to the St. Thomas Police Service, an arrest has been made and charges have been laid following an explosion at 16 Queen St. in St. Thomas on Jan. 26.

As a result of the investigation, St. Thomas police have charged a 41-year-old St. Thomas resident with the following offences for his alleged involvement:

Dozens of residents were temporarily displaced from their homes after an explosion occurred just before 3 p.m. on Jan. 26 at the city’s newest affordable housing building, which opened less than six months ago.

Resident Daniel Porter said the explosion was enough to lift his floor up a couple of inches.

"It sounded like a small hand grenade went off below us," said Porter who lives on the fourth floor.

Speaking to CTV News London the day after the explosion, St. Thomas Chief Fire Inspector Kim Destun said the cause of the blast was "improper use of compressed gas."