The father of a Kitchener family whose house exploded last month continues to recover in hospital.
Minh Nguyen was one of four members of his family caught in the blast on Jan. 27 when their home on Activa Avenue suddenly turned into a fireball that lit up the night sky.
The other three members of the Nguyen family were quickly released from hospital, but Minh’s injuries were worse. He broke his pelvis and underwent surgery Jan. 28.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the explosion continues.
Although officials had initially been hoping to have the cause of the blast determined last week, their efforts were hampered by cold weather.
Additionally, police were briefly called back to the scene, which remains under control of the Ontario Fire Marshal.
Although local fire investigators are no longer directly involved in the case, they are talking to parents and kids about what happened and how it can be prevented.
“(We’re) engaging with some of the schools, getting some staff out there, talking to the kids who might be a little bit concerned and also trying to get the message out about what people can do to look after themselves and their homes,” said Tom Ruggle, Kitchener’s chief fire prevention officer.
Investigators say the cause of the blast may not be determined for weeks, but faulty gas lines were to at fault and other residents of the area have no need to be worried.
Still, neighbours – like Sofia Rashed, who lives across from the Nguyens – are worried, and will remain so until they know exactly what happened.
“If you don’t know, every time you’re scared,” she said.
“Maybe it was gas. Maybe it’s going to happen to your house.”
Offers of donations continue to come in for the family through the Red Cross.
