Langley RCMP investigate suspicious explosion, 2 businesses damaged - Action News
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British Columbia

Langley RCMP investigate suspicious explosion, 2 businesses damaged

Police are investigating an explosion that damaged two businesses in the 5700-block of 203a Street in Langley on Friday night.

All Day Vapes owner believes his business may have been targeted

Members of Langley RCMP take a close look at the damaged gas meter in front on All Day Vapes, after a suspicious explosion Friday night. (Rafferty Baker/CBC)

Langley RCMP are investigating after an explosion damaged two businesses in the 5700-block of 203a Street onFriday night.

The explosion happened at about 11:30 p.m.The front of a business called All Day Vapessustained the bulk of the damage, but several windows were also shattered at a vehicle leasing business on floor above the vape, or e-cigaretteshop.

"Yup, it was a pretty big blast," said City ofLangley'sdeputy fire chief, Kelly Gilday.

"The windows were blown in the front part of the building and some damage to thesoffitsand the structure part, but not a lot, andno fire damage at all."

"There was an explosion by the gas meter, and the crews just turned the gas off and went through the buildings to make sure they were safe," he said.

"Yes,it was quite loud, we could hear it from several blocks away.I don't know whether or not there was a flaming ball. We have no reports that there was any type of flame associated with this," said Cpl. Kurt Neuman, with Langley RCMP.

"There werenoinjuries,thatwedetermined,andrightnowwehavethisunderinvestigation."

All Day Vapes owner Shane Titus (wearing shorts) speaks with police after his business was damaged by an explosion Friday night. (Rafferty Baker/CBC)

Explosion investigated as suspicious

All DayVapesowner Shane Titus, who moved his business to this location in February,saidit's fortunate his staff wasn't in the store when the explosion happened.

Titus said he thinks his business may have been targeted, though Cpl.Neuman said it's too early to call this a targeted attack.

Neuman said the explosion is being investigated as suspicious, and the damage to the gas meter at the front of the store is inconsistent with something like a vehicle backing into it. He said possible evidence was gathered from the area around the meter that will be sent for analysis.

As for the all thewindows,repairs may come easy there's a Crystal Glass repair shop right next door.

"I don't think they'll have any problem getting those windows fixed," said Neuman.

Shattered glass was thrown all over the parking lot in front of an e-cigarette store in the 5700-block of 203a Street in Langley. (Rafferty Baker/CBC)