2016 Mississauga Explosion
Explosion
The explosion occurred at around 4:20pm, centred around a house at 4201 Hickory Drive. This prompted mass evacuations of the surrounding area, with about 700 homes evacuated. Houses were heavily damaged on Hickory Drive, Capri Townhome complex and the Hickory Village. One house was completely destroyed, with 24 others damaged. Debris was scattered around the neighbourhood, hitting and breaking windows of surrounding apartment buildings, also causing a shockwave that could be felt in the nearby Rockwood Mall, which was evacuated.
The cause of the explosion was found to have been the intentional disconnect of the gas piping from the house's hot water tank in two locations, allowing the gas to build up and generating explosive force.
Investigation and aftermath
The following police investigation resulted in the explosion being ruled the double suicide of a married couple, 55-year-old Dianne Page and 55-year-old Robert Nadler, who owned the property. Nadler had previously served 10 years in prison after being convicted of his best friend's murder after a financial dispute in 1992, initially being sentenced for life and then released on parole. Handwritten notes describing physical and mental health challenges and financial difficulties, likely written by Page, were found among the debris of the property at the centre of the blast. The couple reportedly lived in isolation, with aluminium foil covering the windows of their house.
Six months after the explosion, 33 homes were still empty and required renovation. Four homes were demolished.
References
- ^ Miller, Adam (2016-07-06). "Mississauga house explosion: Blast site released, residents allowed to return home | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ Miller, Adam (2016-06-29). "Explosion destroys home in Mississauga; 1 person dead, 25 houses damaged - Toronto | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ Fraser, Laura (2016-07-01). "Male victim at site of Mississauga home explosion served time for murder, police say". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
- ^ Spencer, Jason (2016-06-28). "Shockwave from fatal house explosion in Mississauga felt at nearby businesses". Mississauga.com. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ Li, Justin (2016-12-30). "'Intentional' Mississauga house explosion ruled a double suicide". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
- ^ Brean, Joseph; Kappler, Maija (2016-06-29). "Strange handwritten notes that describe financial ruin found in Mississauga exploded house debris". National Post.
- ^ Simmons, Taylor (2016-12-28). "6 months after Mississauga explosion, 33 homes are still empty". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.