Family of 6 loses everything in house explosion
A family of six has lost all their personal belongings after their house was destroyed by an explosion on the eve of the Thanksgiving Day long weekend.
Oro-Medonte firefighters were called to a house fire on Peter Street West and Line 3 North shortly after 12:30 a.m. Friday.
"An explosion had occurred which had levelled the house," said Fire Chief Roree Payment.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Ten trucks and 30 firefighters attended to the fire, including a mutual aid truck from Springwater Township.
"The fire took a few hours to battle," Payment said. "It was a pretty significant explosion."
Homeowner Charlotte Lawrence said the family wasn't home at the time of the explosion, likely saving their lives.
"We started our long weekend a little bit earlier, and it was a blessing," said Lawrence.
Officials say the cause of the explosion does not appear suspicious, and no injuries were reported.
A GoFundMe campaign launched on Friday hopes to help the family rebuild after losing everything.
"Everyone is fine, and there was no one inside the home," the fundraiser notes. "Mom, Dad and the 4 kids are in good spirits, but utterly devastated with this loss."
"We know times are tough, but would appreciate any help that you can provide, and the family would be eternally grateful," the campaign, launched by friends of the family, states.
"We're actually very emotional and absolutely grateful for everything that everyone has donated... from the firefighters to the first responders to our employers to our friends," said Lawrence.
The Ontario Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the explosion and fire.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A turbulent campaign nears its finale as Americans choose between Harris and Trump
A presidential campaign marked by upheaval and rancour headed for its Election Day finale on Tuesday, as Americans decided whether to send Donald Trump back to the White House or elevate Kamala Harris to the Oval Office.
Government calls $9M condo purchase an 'operational decision'
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly defends the purchase of a $9 million condo for the Consulate General of New York City at a parliamentary committee, as a necessary investment.
New homeowners find skeleton in attic 15 years after previous occupant disappeared
Homeowners in France have discovered a skeleton in the attic of an outbuilding while undertaking renovation work.
Netanyahu fires Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant, after months of clashes over war and politics
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant after months of clashes over domestic politics and Israel’s war efforts.
Trudeau and Harris? Poilievre and Trump? Here's who Canadians think would work best with: survey
As Americans prepare to elect their next president on Tuesday, new data from the Angus Reid Institute suggests Canadians hold differing views as to which federal party leaders would be best suited to deal with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
'Extreme disregard for the safety of others': Lamborghini driver gets prison sentence for 2021 Toronto crash
A mortgage broker who totalled his Lamborghini and left a passenger with life-altering injuries after trying to pass a Toronto streetcar at nearly three times the speed limit has been handed a two-and-a-half year prison sentence.
'I’m not proud of it': Jason Kelce apologizes after video shows him spiking a cellphone after fan used a homophobic slur
Jason Kelce issued an apology during ESPN's 'Monday Night Countdown' after a viral video captured a 'heated moment' between the retired Super Bowl champion and a fan over the weekend.
Prison sentences handed down for sexually abusive London, Ont. parents
In handing down the sentences for two London parents, Justice Thomas Heeney told the court, "The facts of this case were the most egregious that I have encountered during my 26 years on the bench."
Harris and Trump tie in Dixville Notch midnight vote to kick off Election Day
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.S. president Donald Trump have tied with three votes each in the tiny New Hampshire township of Dixville Notch, kicking off Election Day in one of the first places in the country to report its presidential preference.