Firefighters lift a man out of the debris after a gas explosion injured 12 people including two children in Avalon early this morning. The blastd estroyed a number of homes still under construction. OFS PHOTO

The peace and tranquility of the early morning hours were rocked by a powerful explosion in Avalon this morning as a large blast destroyed several homes still under construction.

According to Ottawa Fire Services the explosion took place on Blossom Park Terrace at around 6:15 a.m. near the corner of Tenth Line Road and Harvest Valley Drive. Time stamped closed circuit recordings in the area put the exact tome of the explosion at 6:17 a.m. The blast, which was caused by a gas leak, was heard as far away as Convent Glen and Navan.

Multiple police, fire and EMS units were dispatched to the scene within minutes of the explosion. Ottawa Fire Service reported that 12 people were injured as a result of the blast including two children.

Two construction works had to be extricated from the debris using chainsaws. Both men were taken to hospital where they are listed in serious but stable condition. Three other people were transported to hospital and later released, while five others treated for minor injuries at the scene.

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