Thousands evacuated following explosion at propane facility

A series of large explosions at a propane facility in the North York area of Toronto prompted the evacuation of more than 13,000 people at 0400 local time on 10 August 2008. The explosions occurred at the Sunrise Propane Industrial Gasses facility, which is located near Wilson Avenue and Keele Street. Authorities forced people in a 1 mi/1.6 km radius of the blast site to evacuate. Authorities have deployed police officers in areas near the blast site in response to looting that occurred in several shopping plazas. The incident shut down Highway 401, the country's busiest highway, for more than 12 hours, creating massive transportation disruptions on 10 August. As of 11 August, authorities have allowed most residents in the eastern portion of the evacuation zone to return. Several streets in the immediate area surrounding the evacuation zone remain closed, while dozens of Toronto Transit Commission bus routes have been rerouted. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosions.