Explosion outside school in Grimsby prompts evacuations

Police say a school and daycare have been evacuated following an explosion in the Niagara Region on Tuesday.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m., Niagara Regional Police said officers were investigating an explosion just outside Central French Immersion in Grimsby. The school is located on Boulton Avenue, just off Main Street West.

One woman suffered minor injuries in the blast, police said.

We are currently investigating an explosion at Central French Immersion in the Town of Grimsby.

Explosion occurred outside of the building near a garbage bin.

One female adult male has sustained minor injuries. (1/2)

Inc #24-121876 pic.twitter.com/arEY7rNSJV

— NRPS (@NiagRegPolice) October 29, 2024

Police said the explosion occurred outside the building near a garbage bin.

Out of an abundance of caution, the school was placed in a “lock and learn” status, according to police. The students were subsequently moved to a nearby location for dismissal.

Police said the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church daycare was also evacuated, and children and staff were relocated nearby.

St. Andrews Avenue has been closed and residents are advised to use alternate routes.

“As this is an active investigation, we ask the public to stay out of the area,” police say.

We continue to investigate the explosion that occurred at 1:30pm today. There is a large police presence in the area.

Please see the map for the ongoing road closures. pic.twitter.com/LmU3I24NHr

— NRPS (@NiagRegPolice) October 29, 2024