5 hurt in Red Deer industrial fire

Fire broke out at an industrial property in Red Deer on Jan. 9, 2025. (Supplied)

Five people are in hospital following an explosion Thursday at a Red Deer industrial site.

The City of Red Deer said Thursday night emergency crews answered a call of an explosion and fire at 5310 54 St. in the central Alberta city. The address corresponds to that of a business called Prairie Bus Lines Ltd.

RCMP said in a media release Thursday night they received a report of an explosion at an industrial site at 3:21 p.m. They said firefighters extinguished the blaze quickly but remain at the scene as a precaution.

Police said five employees from the workplace were taken to hospital with various injuries.

Photos sent to CTV News show school buses in the yard as thick, black smoke billows from the complex.

The city said no other buildings sustained damage from the fire. It cut power to the area briefly to help firefighters battle the fire.

54 Avenue and 54 Street have been closed until further notice, the city said.