Deadly explosion that impacted 800 homes happened 10 years ago in Mississauga

A huge explosion that rocked an east Mississauga neighbourhood 10 years ago, killing two people and impacting some 800 houses, condos and apartments, stands out for the “profound effect” it had on the entire city, Mississauga’s fire chief says.

This past Sunday marked a decade since the home on Hickory Drive, in the Dixie and Rathburn roads area, exploded due to what was later found to be a natural gas leak.

A lengthy investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario determined two natural gas supply lines had been disconnected from the water heater inside the home. Furthermore, investigators concluded the June 28, 2016 explosion was intentionally caused and that it was a double suicide involving the two residents — a man and woman.

The blast at 4201 Hickory Drive interrupted the late Tuesday afternoon quiet and came with such force that it was heard — and felt — for miles around. It damaged a few dozen homes in the immediate neighbourhood and prompted the evacuation of some 700 additional residences farther away.

Debris everywhere, many windows smashed

Debris was scattered everywhere in the residential community that summer afternoon, much of it having struck and broken numerous windows of nearby apartment buildings.

A number of people were injured as a result of the blast, but the only two fatalities were the couple inside the home.

Ten years later, the City of Mississauga hosted a community pop-up event this past Sunday in the east-end neighbourhood to mark the anniversary and honour those impacted by the massive explosion as well as the many first responders who rushed to the scene to help.

Sunday’s gathering also offered people “space to remember, reflect and connect,” the city said in a news release, adding many neighbours a decade ago stepped up and “supported one another during a difficult time.”

Mississauga officials also noted this past weekend the “commemoration is a time to pause and remember what happened, while recognizing the strength shown by residents in the days, weeks and years that followed.

“It also acknowledges the many agencies and community partners that worked together to provide information, support and a path toward recovery,” they continued. “The blast caused significant damage in the surrounding area and displaced residents in the Dixie Road and Rathburn Road East neighbourhood.”

Nearly 800 houses, condos and apartments impacted

The city said the explosion initially affected, in some way, nearly 800 houses, condos and apartments in the neighbourhood, adding “37 homes near or adjacent to the site were placed under building-code orders and four homes were later demolished.”

Mississauga Fire Chief Stephane Malo said this week the Hickory Drive incident 10 years ago “stands out for the profound effect it had on both the neighbourhood” and the broader Mississauga community.

“Today, I am proud to witness how our teams and partner agencies consistently collaborate to safeguard residents and offer support whenever it’s needed,” he said. “Events like this continue to shape our approach, ensuring we respond swiftly, communicate effectively and remain prepared to assist our community whenever called upon.”

The city noted that in the hours and days after the explosion, it worked with various partners to support affected residents.

A reception centre and community information supports were set up at Burnhamthorpe Community Centre “so people could register, receive updates and connect with help, including emergency accommodation referrals, social services and organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army and Insurance Bureau of Canada.”

Coordinated response “helped protect lives”

Continuing, officials said “the city’s response mattered because residents needed clear, timely information and practical help right away. Many people were displaced, and the neighbourhood faced safety risks and uncertainty. A coordinated response helped protect lives, support recovery and keep the community connected through ongoing information and on-the-ground support services.”

Mississauga Ward 3 Coun. Chris Fonseca, who still represents that part of the city, said the east-end neighbourhood “has carried a great deal over the past decade. This commemoration is about remembering, supporting one another and recognizing the many residents who helped their neighbours during a difficult time.”

She added the city’s first responders at the time deserve much credit “for their quick response” and members of the community “who reached out to support their neighbours in need” are also to be remembered.

“Ten years later, we still stand with everyone who was affected and we continue to make space for healing and support in our community,” Fonseca said.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish expressed similar sentiments, adding “Mississauga is a caring city. This day is about remembering, standing together and making sure we are ready to support people when they need us most.”