Little Pine Residents Shaken By Explosion At Hall

Little Pine Residents Shaken By Explosion At Hall

Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 15:04

 

 

The chief of the Little Pine First Nation says his community is in a state of shock following an explosion yesterday at the community hall.

 

Five people received non-life-threatening injuries in the afternoon blast, which took place shortly after a funeral.

 

Chief Patrick Bonaise says people who had stayed behind to prepare a traditional feast witnessed the explosion, which originated in the facility’s furnace room.

 

Bonaise says two elderly band members received slight burns from the flames.

 

He also notes that because there has been extensive damage to the hall, it will be awhile before his community can use it again.

 

He says the entire episode has been hard on his people — especially since they have been in a state of mourning and will have to make do without an important community centre.

 

Investigators haven’t determined a cause yet — but according to Bonaise, they’re looking at the possible rupture of a gas line.

 

Bonaise also says emergency services personnel from Paynton and Cut Knife responded to the situation very quickly, and he’s grateful for their help.