Early Wednesday morning an explosion rocked Vancouver's West Broadway. The explosion, believed to be caused by an arson attempt, engulfed and destroyed the taco shop in which it was set and Starbucks next to it. Windows all along the block were shattered. I've has classes cancelled because of bomb threats in my university days. And I can recall cases of arson. But I cannot recall a case of arson where the accelerant essentially causes a fire bomb. And I really cannot think of such a case happening in Canada. I've turned to local bloggers to get the reaction on the ground.

Coke and Count Chocula
"As I was standing at the bus stop this morning something odd was happening. All the big bendy b-line buses that usually head down Broadway were rerouted to 12th Ave and were trying to turn onto Oak. It was madness! But in my morning sleepiness I didn't think much of it.

Constructing Amusement
"I basically lived right behind the Starbucks in question...and I am thankful that I wasn't there last night."

Duck Cake
"So this morning I hear how there was a huge explosion on Broadway & Ash that rocked the neighborhood for 2-3 blocks. Now, about 15 years or so ago, I worked right in that neighborhood. I loved working in that neighborhood. It’s such a busy street, full of quaint little shops and restaurants galore."

Calcopyright Communications Words on Music
My first thought? It must have been a gas leak. Because nobody would plant a bomb in Vancouver!

A Vancouver Girl's Guide To All Things Food
Was so shocked when I seen the news this morning about an explosion on West Broadway. I have a hospital appointment tomorrow and I ALWAYS go to the Starbucks that is now destroyed for coffee after.

After heading down and surveying the damage herself (and of course taking photos)Left Coast Mama is incredulous that no one got hurt.

Looking at these 2 pictures of the tree and the glass stuck in it, it is much easier to see why it is amazing that no one was hurt. If there had been anyone on the street at this time they would have been seriously injured.

No one injured except for the suspected arsonist, which is amazing given that the blast shattered windows in a hotel half a block away and causes $2 million in damages. As soon as our sighs of relief over the lack of injuries passes there will be a big collective shout of "why?" Hopefully by then we'll have an answer.

Contributing Editor Sassymonkey blogs at Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.