On October 29, 2024, at 1:30pm emergency services personnel responded to a report of an explosion in Grimsby.
Uniform officers from the 8 District (Grimsby / West Lincoln/ Lincoln) office of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedics, and Grimsby Fire Service personnel attended to Central French Immersion School on Bolton Avenue. An adult female staff member was treated by paramedics for minor injuries and transported to an area hospital.
The initial investigation determined that the staff member had accessed a garbage bin outside when there was an explosion. Damage was limited to the garbage bin area.
Out of an abundance of a caution the school was placed in a “Lock and Learn” status. Nearby residents were also asked to shelter in place.
Students from the school and near by St. Andrews Anglican Church were evacuated to a nearby location.
Officers from 8 District detective office and the NRPS Explosive Disposal Unit have been called to scene to investigate the cause of the explosion further. Officers from the NRPS Emergency Task Unit and NRPS K9 Unit (explosive detection) are also on scene assisting with the investigation. The public should expect to see a heavy police presence into the evening.
Members of the public should avoid the area.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. The public in the area are asked report anything suspicious.
Road closures:
- Main St. W. is closed between St. Andrews Ave. and Kerman Ave.
- St. Andrews Ave. is closed between Bolton Ave. and Main St. W.
- Bolton Ave. and Kidd Ave. are both closed.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009341.
Members of the public who wish to supply information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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