Homes briefly evacuated after house explodes in Brandon

Several homes were evacuated Tuesday evening after a house exploded in the east end of Brandon.

Police were called to the single-storey home in the 200 block of Queens Avenue East around 8 p.m. Tuesday. A mattress and other household items could be seen strewn across the front lawn and onto neighbouring properties.

Brandon police didn't immediately have information on whether anyone was injured, buta spokesperson for STARS Air Ambulance said its helicopter and crew were en route to Brandon for a"significant explosion."

Police said somehomes in the area were evacuated for a short period of time following the blast, but residents have since been allowed to return.

Manitoba Hydro crews were also at the scene. A spokesperson said its crews also hadn't determined a cause as of yet, but said the utility was dealing with a "probable" gas explosion.

Around 9:45 p.m., an urban search and rescue trailer also arrived.

Brandon police advised people to stay away from the area until further notice.