posted on August 18, 2008

Globe And Mail: Asbestos threat keeps residents from homes

By: TAMSYN BURGMANN
Published: August 11, 2008
Source: Globe And Mail

TORONTO — Shattered glass and charred debris confronted weary residents returning home Monday following a massive propane explosion that transformed a Toronto neighbourhood into a fallout zone and sent thousands fleeing.

With an asbestos threat hanging in the air, one-quarter of the original 1.6-kilometre evacuation zone remained closed as emergency crews dealt with the aftermath of the Sunday's thunderous blast.

At some point before 7 p.m. Monday night, a body was located at the explosion site. Toronto police said the victim hasn't been identified. Also Monday, the City of Toronto launched a review of all areas that could pose a potential hazard to nearby homes. People eager to return home stalled behind police lines, in search of such routine items as fresh clothes and wallets so they could go to work.

Some homes seemed uninhabitable.

Mario Dandrea pulled up in his car Monday morning and was turned away from his house by police.

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