Police unveil cause of massive downtown Prince George explosion

Just over two weeks after an explosion rocked downtown Prince George, police have gone public with the cause.

The investigation has determined that the building was secured the night before the Aug. 22 explosion, but was broken into over the course of the night by “multiple unauthorized people.”

According to the RCMP, fire investigators found evidence of copper pipe theft and that resulted in damage to at least one natural gas line.

As for the ignition, police attributed it to the “activities of one of the unauthorized persons within the building,” but did not specify what that activity was.

The RCMP said that person was unaware of the buildup of natural gas inside the building, which was completely levelled by the massive blast.

“This investigation is incredibly complex and it will take time before investigators can make any further determinations,” explained Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.

“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.”

The explosion happened around 7 am on Aug. 22, and sent three people to hospital, including one with serious injuries.

The victim with serious injuries has since been identified as Victoria Mcgivern, a local mother who had to be airlifted to Vancouver for treatment.

Later that day, business owners nearby said the explosion added to their concerns about the current state of Prince George’s downtown core.

"There were squatters in that building. It had become somewhat derelict," said Heather Ziebart, owner of Daydream Donuts just two blocks away.

"It’s been broken into quite a few times and windows broken out and you could see them basically walking away from it."

Randy Wilson, who owns an antique and collectible shop nearby, said it’s “crazy downtown,” speculating that the explosion could be an eye opener for city officials.