A house fire in British Columbia that left one person dead and two others in critical condition last week appears to be linked to an illegal drug extraction lab, says the RCMP.
The incident left two people critically injured, who were treated on site by paramedics before being transported to hospital by air ambulance, B.C. Emergency Health Services spokesperson Rachelle Bown told The Epoch Times in a statement. The fire, which spread to nearby homes, also left one person unaccounted for.
“Preliminary examination of the scene has investigators focused on the cause of the explosion and fire which may be consistent with what is found at an illegal drug extraction lab,” RCMP said.
“However, it may take time to reach a definitive conclusion, as a thorough investigation and expert analysis are required.”
In their March 3 update, the RCMP said they found a dead person inside the residence and are working with the B.C. Coroners to identify the body. The B.C. Coroners Service is a government agency tasked with investigating unexpected or unexplained deaths in the province.
Langley RCMP Sgt. Zynal Sharoom told The Epoch Times authorities remain in the area to investigate, and that a timeline for the investigation cannot be determined as they continue to gather evidence. Sharoom did not provide an update on the health status of the two injured people, citing privacy concerns.
Other risks include exposure to toxic chemicals or strong drugs, poisoned air, contaminated walls and well water, leaking or damaged chemical containers or compressed gas cylinders, chemicals that ignite when exposed to air or water, electrical hazards, and the potential for booby traps.
Clandestine labs are often set up in upscale family dwellings, farms, rural properties, warehouses, automotive shops, truck boxes, and car trunks.
