Residents in Toronto, Canada were left shaken after a loud explosion near Downsview Airport, a decommissioned military airfield, turned the sky orange and sent shockwaves through the city. Video footage circulating online captured the aftermath, with many locals reporting seeing the bright flash from their backyards.
One user posted on X: "Barely caught this explosion in Toronto, made a whole Twitter account to ask what's going on." Another commented: "Explosion aftermath in Toronto around downsview airport." The blast was reportedly seen and felt across most of the Greater Toronto Area.
However, officials confirmed the explosion was part of planned pyrotechnics for a TV or movie filming. A letter shared online by a resident warned that special effects would occur between 6pm and 11pm on Thursday, April 16, behind Carl Hall Road. Downsview Park officials stated the activity was pre-approved and conducted by licensed professionals in coordination with Toronto Police and Fire Services.
A warning to residents said: "During the week of April 13, in the evening, residents and visitors may notice loud noises, flashes of light, and/or smoke in the area for short periods of time. These effects are part of a pre-approved controlled activity... There is no risk to public safety."
