By Hannah Theodore
Jan 29, 2021 4:24 PM
On Thursday Jan. 28, London Police held a virtual ceremony to recognize the many heroes of the Woodman Ave. explosion.
22 individuals were recognized, as well as the London Fire Department and the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service.
“Aug. 14, 2019, is a date that will live in people’s minds for a very long time,” said Chief of Police, Steve Williams. “On that evening, in only a matter of minutes, Woodman Ave. went from a calm, quiet neighbourhood to the scene of a serious collision and subsequent devastating explosion. In the face of unknown danger, and amidst the chaos that comes from unexpected tragedy, heroes emerged from all directions to offer assistance.”
LONDON, ONT. More than a dozen police officers along with eight citizens will be honoured Thursday for their efforts to save lives during the Woodman Avenue explosion. On Aug. 14, 2019 Old East Village was rocked by an explosion after an impaired driver crashed into a gas meter at 450 Woodman Ave. The blast left several homes destroyed and many more damaged. When the car first hit the gas meter first responders were on scene within minutes and worked to clear the area as quickly as possible. Minutes later the house erupted, leaving several first responders injured. While injureis were serious, and in some cases life-altering, no one lost their lives.