House explosion investigation continues
Undisclosed quantity of samples and evidence sent to the Centre of Forensic Science in Toronto
KITCHENER — Police and fire investigators are no longer on the site of a deadly house explosion last week in Kitchener, but Sprucedale Crescent remains closed and accessible to residents only.
The City of Kitchener says an undisclosed quantity of samples and evidence collected through the forensic dismantling of the site have been sent to the Centre of Forensic Science in Toronto so the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office can continue to investigate the cause of the explosion.
“It is unknown how long the investigation will take,” said Colleen Collins, a spokesperson for the city of Kitchener. “Staff will continue to assist with the investigation as needed.”
A woman, 58-year-old Edresilda Haan, was found dead in the backyard of the home at 56 Sprucedale Cres. after the blast rocked the neighbourhood just after 8 a.m. last Wednesday morning. Her husband, Udo Haan, also 58, was pulled from the scene and airlifted to a Hamilton hospital in critical condition. Both worked at Sun Life Financial.
Police announced last Thursday afternoon the explosion was being investigated as a homicide. They said they have no suspects in her death, and they did not specify how she died.
Cherri Greeno, spokesperson for the Waterloo Regional Police, did not have any updates Monday on the course of the police investigation, but said she expects to speak with investigators as early as Tuesday morning.
“We’re still investigating,” she said.
Greeno also didn’t know if police investigators have questioned the man pulled from the fire and sent to hospital, who police still have not officially identified.
Fire investigators have already said the ground around the Sprucedale Crescent house has been tested and there were no gas leaks, but there has been no word about any potential gas leaks inside the home.
Two adjacent homes were also badly damaged in the blast, and the city said the property owners’ insurance companies are now responsible for the properties, including securing them with fencing. The majority of residents on the street have been allowed to return to their homes.
Efforts the rebuild the community after the explosion have already begun as Brock Greenhalgh, a neighbour who has lived across the street from the Haans for 11 years, has started an online campaign to raise $5,000 to buy benches for the neighbourhood.
As of late Monday, the page had collected nearly $2,100 and Greenhalgh said hopes to buy 40 to 50 benches that could be placed in front yards or backyards in the neighbourhood.
A memorial service for Edresilda Haan will be held at the Henry Walser Funeral Home on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the K-W Humane Society would be appreciated by the family.