Edmonton police say they are treating the deaths of four people killed in a massive explosion in north Edmonton Sunday as suspicious.
"We're treating it as suspicious and that's standard process for us in that the deaths are unexplained at this point," said Edmonton police Acting Chief Darryl da Costa.
Officials now want to ensure that the 28 homes affected by the explosion are safe before letting all residents back in. As of Monday evening, about 10 people will be allowed to return to their homes.
The acting chief says they are treating the event as an "isolated incident".
"Houses don't just explode," he told media outside the neighbourhood Monday morning. "We're trying to find out what caused this explosion so we can give a better explanation."
Fire officials confirmed Monday morning that a fourth person is dead following the explosion. Several people are in hospital with unknown injuries as a result of the blast, including a child.
A friend is identifying Craig Huber and Brad Winter as two of the victims in Sunday's horrific blast. The two friends shared a home located next door to the site of the explosion. The two friends were getting ready for a Father's Day barbecue right before the blast. A woman and child were pulled from the same home and survived.
The explosion occurred around 1:20 p.m. Sunday afternoon at a home located at 18011-91 A Street.
Fire officials say 60 firefighters in total were involved in Sunday's effort in the north Edmonton neighbourhood, with one firefighter treated for heat exhaustion.
The cause of the explosion is not known at this time, crews continue to investigate if propane or natural gas played a role. They say at this point there is no evidence to indicate a drug lab or an explosive device could be behind the blast.
"I'm told by investigators that there is no indication at this point that the blast was caused by an explosive device or a drug lab. However, the investigation remains active and on-going," explained da Costa.
Fire officials revealed Monday the majority of the families displaced from their homes are now staying with family and friends, but one family of three is receiving help from the Red Cross.
Autopsies have been scheduled for Tuesday to determine exact causes of deaths. Fire investigators estimate that the explosion caused $2 million in damage.
Friends of Craig and Brad are holding a fundraiser at Zocca's Pizzeria and Pub on Castle Downs Road Friday to raise money for all the victims of the explosion.
With files from Bill Fortier and Sonia Sunger
