Update as of 2 p.m. Jan. 29
A 41-year-old St. Thomas resident faces several weapons and arson charges. St. Thomas Police would not confirm whether the individual resides at the 45-unit apartment complex, however as of Monday afternoon, a search warrant had been requested and police and the Ontario Fire Marshal continue to investigate. They have been charged with:
- Two counts possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order
- Arson – damage to property
- Arson – disregard for human life
All 45 residents of The Station, the Indwell housing development at 16 Queen Street, remained out of their units Monday morning after an explosion Friday afternoon.
The explosion resulted in very little fire damage, according to Chief Fire Prevention Officer Kim Destun, but the structural integrity of the unit was in question.
myFM spoke with Indwell regional manager Natasha Thuemler for an update on the residents.
She explained accommodation had to quickly be found for the residents impacted by the explosion.
Thuemler praised the community for stepping up quickly to assist with temporary relocation and other needs of the individuals.
St. Thomas firefighters responded to The Station around 2:30 p.m. after an alarm sounded. Fire crews determined there had been an explosion in a unit on the second floor.
The cause of the explosion is improper use of a gas cylinder and the investigation is ongoing with city police involved along with the Ontario Fire Marshal.
Further information is expected from St. Thomas Police some time today (Monday).
The official opening of The Station was celebrated in October of last year and the apartment building supports residents referred from the City of St. Thomas’ Coordinated Access System, which prioritizes Elgin county residents who are currently without housing.
Indwell, a Christian charity operating throughout southwestern Ontario, has been offering supportive and affordable housing to individuals for nearly 50 years, including in London, Hamilton, Waterloo Region, Woodstock, Mississauga, and Simcoe.
