A shocking explosion at a Calgary manhole worksite early Thursday morning left several workers injured and prompted a large emergency response in the city’s busy Beltline neighbourhood. The blast, which occurred near Macleod Trail and 14th Avenue S.E., sent emergency crews rushing to the scene around 7:50 a.m. Fortunately, all workers were able to escape without life-threatening injuries.
1. Overview of the Incident
On Thursday morning, multiple workers were injured following a manhole explosion at a utility worksite operated by ENMAX, Calgary’s main electricity provider. The explosion caused a brief flash of flames, startling commuters and nearby residents.
2. Location and Emergency Response
The explosion took place along Macleod Trail near 14th Avenue S.E., a central area in Calgary’s Beltline. Emergency services—including firefighters, paramedics, and police—arrived within minutes.
According to fire department spokesperson Alex Kwan, the fire was extinguished before emergency crews arrived, but they conducted safety inspections to ensure no residual risk.
3. Details of the Explosion
Reports confirm that two workers were underground at the time of the explosion, while three others were above ground. After a sudden blast and flash of fire, all workers managed to self-evacuate safely.
The Calgary Fire Department confirmed that no active fire remained at the scene once they arrived.
4. Worker Injuries and Hospitalization
A total of five workers were assessed by Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
- Three were transported to Foothills Hospital.
- One was taken to Sheldon Chumir Health Centre.
- The fifth worker declined hospitalization after being assessed.
All injured workers are reported to be in stable, non-life-threatening condition, which was a relief to both officials and onlookers.
5. ENMAX’s Official Statement
ENMAX confirmed that the injured workers were members of their utility crew.
In an official statement, ENMAX spokesperson Jessica Connors said:
“We’re aware of an incident involving four ENMAX crew members. Our first priority is the safety and well-being of these crew members. We are still investigating what happened.”
Connors also added that no power outages or disruptions occurred in the surrounding area following the explosion.
6. Immediate Safety Actions Taken
Following the explosion, the Calgary Fire Department and ENMAX safety teams isolated the worksite. The underground vault was examined for any lingering hazards such as gas leaks or electrical faults. Firefighters also used air monitoring equipment to test for combustible gases.
7. Role of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) officials have launched an official investigation into the cause of the explosion. The investigation aims to determine whether safety protocols were properly followed and if equipment malfunction or gas buildup contributed to the blast.
8. Road Closures and Public Impact
The incident led to the temporary closure of Macleod Trail between 14th Avenue S.E. and 17th Avenue S.E. for several hours during the investigation.
Traffic was redirected, causing moderate delays in the downtown area. By midday, city officials confirmed that the road had reopened and the area was safe for public access.
9. Possible Causes Under Investigation
While the official cause has not yet been confirmed, early possibilities include:
- Gas accumulation inside the underground vault.
- Electrical arcing or equipment failure.
- Improper ventilation during maintenance.
Investigators from OHS and ENMAX are reviewing site conditions, worker training records, and equipment logs to identify any violations or oversights.
10. Workplace Safety in Utility Operations
Manhole and underground maintenance work carries high safety risks due to confined spaces, potential gas leaks, and electrical hazards.
To prevent such incidents, workers must follow strict safety protocols such as:
- Regular gas testing and ventilation before entry.
- Lockout/tagout procedures for electrical equipment.
- Continuous atmospheric monitoring during operations.
- Emergency response training for confined-space incidents.
11. Preventive Measures for Underground Work
To strengthen workplace safety, experts recommend that companies implement:
| Safety Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Confined Space Training | Mandatory for all underground workers |
| Air Quality Testing | Before and during all maintenance work |
| Real-Time Monitoring | Sensors to detect gas buildup or electrical arcing |
| Emergency Drills | Routine response training for explosion scenarios |
These measures help reduce risks and protect both employees and nearby communities.
12. Conclusion
The Calgary manhole explosion serves as a critical reminder of the inherent dangers faced by utility workers and the importance of strong safety compliance. While all workers survived without life-threatening injuries, the incident underscores the need for improved underground safety checks and equipment inspections.
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) investigation remains ongoing, with findings expected to influence future utility safety standards across Alberta.
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