Prince George RCMP have determined the cause of the downtown explosion that occurred on Aug. 22.
The explosion happened at an empty building at the corner of Dominion Street and Fourth Avenue, which used to be the Achillion Greek Restaurant.
Police say the investigation so far has determined that the building was secured in the early evening on Aug. 21 but was broken into over the course of the night by multiple unauthorized people.
Fire investigators have further determined there is evidence of copper pipe theft, which resulted in damage to at least one natural gas line.
The source of the ignition that created the explosion was due to the activities of one of the unauthorized persons within the building, who was unaware at the time of the buildup of natural gas inside the structure.
“This investigation is incredibly complex and it will take time before investigators can make any further determinations, but we felt an update into the status of the investigation was necessary as so many people in our City were affected by the events of that morning,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
