One person is in critical condition following an explosion early Tuesday morning in downtown Yellowknife.
Police received several calls about the blast around 2:11 a.m. on July 1st. When officers arrived, they found a person on the ground near the remains of a boat that had been destroyed in the explosion. Officers provided first aid until members of the Yellowknife Fire Department and Ambulance Service arrived.
The victim was later flown out of Yellowknife for further treatment.
According to RCMP, the initial investigation suggests the person had been inhaling propane inside the parked boat when it exploded.
Police are reminding the public about the dangers of inhaling substances like propane or gasoline. In addition to serious health risks, these substances can easily ignite or explode under certain conditions.
The investigation is ongoing.