A man has been charged in connection to a house explosion in Whitby on Wednesday.

According to Durham Region Police Service, on Wednesday, November 7, at approximately 3:30 pm, emergency services were called to Cedar Street in Whitby regarding an explosion inside a residence.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found “obvious signs of damage” to the home. Whitby Fire located three males inside the residence and they were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators say they believe the explosion occurred when butane was being used in the production of cannabis oil. As a result, one male has been charged.

48-year-old Jody Cormier has been charged with: Arson with Disregard for Human Life, Criminal Negligence and Alter Cannabis with Organic Solvent.

Engineers are now determining if the structure is safe and the police investigation is continuing.

Anyone with new information about this investigation is asked to contact D/Cst. Crosbie (ext. 1815) or D/Cst. MacDonald (ext. 1847) of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-888-579-1520.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

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