Cause of deadly Langley, B.C., explosion may be consistent with illegal drug lab: police

RCMP confirmed on Monday that they found a body inside a Langley, B.C., home that was hit by an explosion and fire, saying the evidence at the scene seemed to be consistent with what's found at an illegal drug lab.

Police, Langley firefighters and B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded to a report of an explosion and fire at a residence in the 7300-block of 196 Street at around 10:40 a.m. PT Friday.

BCEHS said at the time that two people suffered critical injuries and were taken to hospital by an air ambulance, while RCMP added that one person was unaccounted for, before Monday's confirmation of a body.

WATCH | CBC reporter says home is gone: 

2 in critical condition, 1 unaccounted for following explosion and house fire in Langley

3 days ago

Duration 1:40

Police say investigators have determined that an explosion caused a house fire in Langley that left two people with critical injuries, one person unaccounted for, and closed off a neighbourhood. Rafferty Baker reports.

The B.C. Coroners Service is working to identify the victim.

"Preliminary examination of the scene has investigators focused on the cause of the explosion and fire, which may be consistent with what is found at ... illegal drug extraction labs," RCMP said in a statement issued Monday. 

"However, it may take time to reach a definitive conclusion, as a thorough investigation and expert analysis are required."

The explosion and fire led to the evacuation of homes in the surrounding area.

Sgt. Zynal Sharoom with Langley RCMP said Friday that the fire spread and caused damage to other nearby homes but couldn't give the exact number of residences affected.

In a Saturday interview, Sharoom told CBC News that those who were evacuated but didn't have damaged homes were allowed back in on Friday.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Langley RCMP.