Four workers taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has launched an investigation into a gas explosion that injured seven construction workers at a North York high-rise project on October 14, 2025.
“The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development was notified of an incident in Toronto. A ministry inspector was assigned to investigate,” a ministry spokesperson said in a statement. “As the investigation is ongoing, no further details can be provided at this time.”
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) has confirmed its involvement in the incident response. “TSSA has been on-site to provide support following the incident,” said a spokesperson in an emailed statement. “The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, with TSSA providing technical expertise in fuels.”
The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. at a construction site located at 68 Esther Shiner Boulevard, near Provost Drive, in Toronto's North York district. Emergency services were called to the scene following reports of a suspected gas explosion in the penthouse-level boiler room of the building under construction.
According to Toronto Fire Services, no fire was present upon arrival, but multiple workers were found with signs of burn injuries. All workers in the building were evacuated.
Toronto Paramedic Services reported that seven individuals were transported to hospital, four with life-threatening injuries and three with minor injuries. Details regarding the nature of the injuries have not been released due to privacy concerns.
Construction worker Luke Pravica, who was on-site during the explosion, said he had heard there was a possible gas leak that may have triggered the blast. “It’s concerning for sure,” he told CBC News, adding that he hopes his colleagues make a full recovery.
The building is being developed by Centerville Construction Corp., which issued a brief statement expressing sympathy for the injured workers and confirming that it is cooperating with the investigation. “Our heart goes out to the construction workers that have been sent to hospital,” said company representative Peter Udzenija.
While Toronto Fire officials acknowledged that gas explosions of this type are uncommon, no further information has been provided on the specific type of gas or system involved.
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) issued a statement saying those impacted are members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 27, United Association of Plumbers Local 46 and the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers Local 353.
“Every worker has a right to come home to their loved ones safely. The workers on the high-rise construction site were not given that right, and we will continue to demand the provincial government provide safe workplaces for workers in Ontario. The Occupational Health and Safety Act – which requires every employer to take every precaution reasonable to protect every worker in the workplace – must be enforced,” said the OFL.
Both the Ministry of Labour and TSSA have declined to share additional details while the investigation is ongoing.
