saanich-police-cruiser
Saanich Police (File photo/Victoria Buzz)

The mystery has been revealed.

Social media lit up Friday night after a large unknown explosion was heard and felt across Greater Victoria.

Residents from Victoria, Saanich and as far as Langford reported a loud bang around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, February 24th that shook the windows of their home.

While there were reports of a controlled explosion the Saanich Public Works Yard, no official statement was released.

After several days of wondering, Saanich Police confirmed to Victoria Buzz that there was a unscheduled controlled explosion after a search warrant was executed in Victoria.

On Friday February 24th, the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) assisted an outside agency with a high-risk arrest in Victoria.

Police say after the arrest, explosive items were located during a search of the home.

These items were carefully seized by GVERT and officers determined the explosive items needed to be destroyed immediately.

Did you hear a loud explosion just after 10:30 pm this evening? We are hearing Saanich Police detonated some unexploded ordinance in the Public Works Yard. This has not been confirmed yet.

Posted by Victoria Buzz on Friday, February 24, 2023

“Using standard safety procedures, GVERT Explosive Technicians effectively destroyed the seized items. This was performed at the Saanich Public Works Yard at 1040 McKenzie Avenue at 10:30 p.m. that evening,” said Const. Markus Anastasiades.

“The explosives detonated were louder than usual, which were heard and felt by several residents in Saanich. These residents did call our non-emergency police line and spoke to an officer, who explained the situation to them,” said Anastasiades.

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