Editor's Note: The scene has been released by police. More details are available here.
One person was killed in an explosion near Schumacher.
Yesterday evening (Oct. 3), Timmins Police say there was an explosion in a parking lot near Schumacher. One person was killed.
Timmins Police and the OPP explosive disposal unit are still at the Comfort Inn for the investigation, which police say is to determine the "exact nature" of the event.
"As a precaution, a local hotel and some private businesses were evacuated and a portion of Algonquin Boulevard East was closed until early this morning," reads a news release from police.
Highway 101 between the McIntyre arena intersection and Highway 655 reopened around 8 a.m. today (Oct. 4).
The hotel and some other local businesses are still evacuated, said police.
Given the nature of the event, Timmins Police communications co-ordinator Marc Depatie said there was an initial concern for public safety, which is why the road was closed and buildings were evacuated. There is no concern now.
Gervais Emergency Consulting is handling the logistical issues for displaced people, their vehicles and belongings that were left at the scene.
Once the identity of the victim is confirmed, Timmins Police says next of kin will be notified.
This is the second serious incident being investigated in just over a week.
On Sept. 24, two men were shot in an incident on Sixth Avenue. A Toronto man was charged with two counts of attempted murder in that investigation, and police are still looking for at least one other suspect.
Depatie says the incidents are not related.
It took over 12 hours from the explosion happening for police to release information.
Depatie said at first there were more "unknowns" than "knowns".
"TPS was busy managing urgent tasks related to the event and to preserve public safety. We always want to make sure what we post is accurate and not just supposition — that took some time last night," he said.
Below is footage of the scene outside the Comfort Inn shortly after the roadway reopened:
