Okotoks Shaken by Powerful Explosion, Home Completely Destroyed

A powerful explosion at a building in Okotoks, southeast of Calgary, caused significant damage Thursday morning, completely destroying a large single-family home.

According to Calgary Fire crews, a loud blast was heard across the area between approximately 7:10 and 7:45 a.m. The explosion occurred in a detached building on a rural property near Heritage Heights School.

An elderly couple was inside the home at the time of the explosion, but both were reported safe.

As a precaution, Heritage Heights School was immediately evacuated and will remain closed for the day. Students who normally travel by bus were safely transported to École Percy Pegler School, where parents can pick them up.

Foothills County fire crews remain at the scene.