The scene of a garage explosion remained closed off for most of Sunday, as Barrie police continued their criminal investigation.
Accompanying the Barrie police forensic unit was the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office – sifting through debris to determine what the exactly caused the explosion Friday night at 59 Collete Cres. Investigators could be seen filling jars with pieces of evidence, which will now be sent in for testing.
"The samples have to be analysed by the Centre of Forensic Science and then in coordination with Barrie police, the investigation will continue and it is a Barrie police investigation at this point," says Jeff Tebby, fire investigation coordinator for the OFM.
Police executed two search warrants late Saturday night, giving officers access to home and attached garage. While the OFM has not released a cause, Barrie police suspect a butane canister was being used in the extraction of marijuana resin when the explosion occurred.
In total, police say four people were in the garage, while eight children and two adults were in the house when the explosion happened. The children range in age between three-weeks-old and 15-years-old. In total, 11 people were taken to hospital, two of which are in critical condition. Six others have been released.
Barrie firefighters were at the scene on Sunday, using a hydraulic cutter to remove the garage door and other heavy items for investigators. With the scene safely secured, firefighters suited up to extract family pets from the property.
No charges have been laid.
Barrie police are expecting to releases more information on their investigation on Monday afternoon.
