One dead after plant explosion

The Toronto fire department says one person is dead and another was critically injured in an explosion at a silicone chemical plant on Wednesday.

Toronto police say they received reports at 9:50 a.m. of an explosion at the Siltech silicone plant at 225 Wicksteed Ave., just south of Eglinton Avenue East and west of Don Mills Road. Police say a fire may have been triggered by a chemical spill.

One of the victims was found without vital signs and Toronto police said paramedics performed CPR on the person. Toronto fire said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Toronto Fire Services Chief Jim Jessop arrived shortly after 11 a.m. and provided an update to media after speaking with the emergency crews.

Jessop said the second victim was rushed in critical condition to Sunnybrook Hospital.

He said chemical fires are some of the most complicated to fight.

Crews have to work quickly to identify the chemicals involved, because that will determine the specific chemical agent or agents required in order to counter the substances involved. Sometimes this process takes time.

“We knew there were people in there … and that was our first priority,” Jessop told reporters.

There will be multiple jurisdictions working together to determine next steps, Jessop said.

When asked if this was in any way related to Tuesday night’s storm, Jessop said it was far too early to tell.

The industrial accident will be investigated by the Ministry of Labour.

The Ministry of the Environment has been notified, and Toronto fire says there is no risk to the public, Jessop said.