KITCHENER - The man accused of murdering his wife and exploding their Kitchener home remains in hospital, seven weeks after the blast.

Udo Haan's case was in court on Friday, four days after he was charged with first-degree murder, arson with disregard for human life and two counts of arson with damage to property.

Haan's wife, Edra Haan, 58, died in the Aug. 22 blast that destroyed their home at 56 Sprucedale Cres. and damaged two other houses. Edra Haan was found dead in her backyard. Udo Haan, also 58, was critically injured.

Because he is at Grand River Hospital, under police guard, Haan was not in court for the routine "appearance." He spoke by phone.

"Don't say anything, Udo," defence lawyer Stephen Gehl told him when Haan got on the phone.

Haan was on the line for less than two minutes and said little. He was told his next court appearance is set for Oct. 24.

"OK," Haan said.

Haan may still be in hospital on Oct. 24, Gehl said. If he gets discharged from Grand River, he will appear in court in person. He was ordered detained.

Gehl was asked outside the courtroom how Haan is doing.

"I'm not in a position to give a medical update on his condition and I'm not qualified," the lawyer said.

Waterloo Regional Police have said little about how the explosion occurred or how Haan was killed.

"The investigation has revealed that Edra Haan died prior to the explosion," Insp. Mark Crowell said earlier this week.

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