Truck crashes into Edmonton apartment building, explosion kills one and injures several

One person was killed and several others were injured after a truck crashed into a three-storey apartment building and struck a gas line in north Edmonton Tuesday night, triggering an explosion and a large fire.

According to preliminary information from emergency responders, the crash occurred at about 9:20 p.m. The truck collided with the building and a gas line, leading to an explosion and fire. Authorities said the truck driver died at the scene. Several people were taken to hospital with injuries. Officials have not confirmed the full cause of the fire, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The building houses commercial businesses on the ground floor, with residential apartments on the upper levels. Heavy smoke was seen pouring from multiple units as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

A section of 82 Street between 137 Avenue and Yellowhead Trail was temporarily closed during the emergency response. According to ATCO Gas, natural gas service was shut off to approximately 1,700 customers in the Glengarry, Killarney and Balwin neighbourhoods as a safety precaution.

Emergency crews, including 11 fire trucks and 10 ambulances, responded to the scene to extinguish the fire and provide medical assistance to residents.