An explosion at a southeast-end home that sent a man to hospital earlier this week is now being considered suspicious, London police confirmed Thursday.
The blast at the home at 1335 Hamilton Rd., just west of Clarke Rd. happened around 4pm on Monday. A man who suffered second-degree burns in the explosion is still in serious condition in hospital.
"Due to the fact the fire appears to be suspicious in nature, the investigation has been turned over to our London Police Street Crime Unit," said police in a statement.
The investigation into the blast will now be a joint effort by police, the Ontario Fire Marshal, and the London Fire Department.
Ontario Fire Marshal Fire Investigator Clive Hubbard said he was finally able to go inside the home, which is divided into rental units, on Wednesday. Fears of structural damage had prevented investigators from venturing inside Monday and Tuesday.
Hubbard said he was "not prepared" to comment on a suspected cause, as the investigating is continuing. He added any statement on what sparked the blast will "have to come from police."
Brick from the front and side of the home is scattered across the yard. Scorch marks could be seen in the spots of the house which were once covered by brick. Some of the heaviest damage surrounds a basement window on the west side of the home.
Fire officials hope to wrap up their part of the investigation by the end of the day Wednesday.