Possible explosion at Metro Vancouver strip mall under investigation

Police and firefighters were called to the scene of a potential explosion at a Metro Vancouver strip mall Sunday morning.

Crews were called to the plaza at 341 North Rd. in Coquitlam around 6 a.m. 

“Upon arrival, they saw thick black smoke coming out of one of the units,” said Asst. Chief Sandro Bonifazi, Coquitlam Fire Rescue Services. “The officer called for a full response for a structure fire.”

“When the officer arrived on scene here, there was glass thrown throughout the parking lot,” said Bonifazi. “So [there’s] the possibility of an explosion in one of the units.”

Multiple businesses were impacted but first responders tell CTV News there have been no reported injuries.One business owner said an employee who was inside at the time managed to escape unscathed.

Businesses in the strip mall include a coffee shop, optometry clinic, hair salon, a Pho restaurant, and a realtor’s office.

“I'm worrying about the conditions inside. You know, if my computer's okay, if our documents are okay,” said Emily Oh, owner of Emily Oh Realty.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is being conducted jointly by the RCMP and the fire department.

Anyone with information or video is urged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2024-34159.