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Investigation Finds Ice Resurfacer Fuel-System Failure Caused Taber Community Centre Explosion

The facility remains closed pending hazardous-material lab results that will dictate safe cleanup.

Overview

  • Officials said a failed component in the ice resurfacer’s fuel system caused a propane leak that formed a gas cloud ignited by an electrical heater.
  • Investigators ruled out human error and credited staff and responders for evacuating about a dozen people without injuries.
  • Photos show extensive structural damage across the arena and curling areas, and independent testing is checking for hazardous materials such as asbestos given the building’s 1970-era construction and interconnected systems.
  • The town says debris removal cannot start until lab results arrive, and insurance reviews and cost estimates are expected to take weeks to months.
  • Officials aim to outline a tentative reopening timeline by the end of January as neighbouring communities provide temporary ice time.