Early Morning Explosion in Coquitlam

In a startling incident early Sunday morning, a potential explosion rocked a strip mall in Coquitlam, British Columbia, leaving multiple business owners in shock as emergency response teams rushed to the scene. At around 6:30 a.m., local police and fire crews were alerted to the plaza located at 341 North Rd., where they encountered alarming thick black smoke billowing from one of the retail units.

Initial Findings and Reactions

Assistant Chief Sandro Bonifazi reported, 'Upon arrival, officers found glass scattered throughout the parking lot, indicating the likelihood of an explosion.' The potential severity of the situation unfolded as thick smoke obscured visibility and heightened concerns of what might have caused such a disaster.

Emily Oh, the owner of Emily Oh Realty, received an urgent call from her landlord while en route to her Sunday appointment and church services. 'She said, ‘You have to get here right now,’ recounted Oh, visibly shaken by the news. 'I’m shocked... and I’m so thankful that no one was there.'

Business Owners' Concerns

Her immediate concern centered around her office’s vital documents and computers. 'There are sprinklers in our unit, and I just want to see what’s damaged,' Oh added, illustrating the anxiety faced by many business owners affected by the incident.

The strip mall, which houses not just Emily Oh Realty but also a popular coffee shop, a Pho restaurant, an optometry clinic, and a hair salon, has become a bustling center for the local community. Many patrons who visit often expressed their worries about the safety and future of their favorite businesses.

Firefighters Battle Blaze and Investigation Begins

As firefighters work diligently to contain the situation and assess the damage, crews are hard at work investigating the cause of the fire and possible explosion. Initial reports do not indicate any injuries, but the community is left reeling from this unexpected and alarming event.

Community Impact and Future Safety

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor developments surrounding this chaotic morning in Coquitlam, and brace yourself—this could be just the beginning of a larger story about safety regulations and business impacts in the wake of such dangerous incidents!