Multiple people took to social media to report the unknown blast.

04:56, Fri, Apr 17, 2026 Updated: 04:56, Fri, Apr 17, 2026

Blast in Toronto

Blast in Toronto (Image: X)

Locals in Toronto, Canada have been left spooked after an explosion rocked the city.

Video footage shared online shows the aftermath of the event which appears to have taken place near Downsview Airport, a disused military airport.

Sharing another image online, one user said: "Barely caught this explosion in Toronto, made a whole Twitter account to ask what’s going on."

A second said: "Explosion aftermath in Toronto around downsview airport."

A third added: "Did anyone see that explosion that lit up the sky in North York??? It was so bright and big that my friend thought it was a nuke."

54 mins ago04:56 Olivia Beeson

Explosion part of television scene

As per a letter shared online by a resident the explosion is being recorded for film/television. The warning states that pyrotechnics will be occcurring in the area between 6pm and 11pm on Thursday, April 16.

It states the special effects will be taking place behind Carl Hall Road.

57 mins ago04:53 Olivia Beeson

Residents pre warned about 'planned pyrotechnics'

The explosion is part of planned pyrotechnics according to Downsview Park officials.

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 occurring at Downsview Park and will be conducted by licensed professionals in coordination with Toronto Police and Fire Services. There is no risk to public safety."

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1 hour ago04:49 Olivia Beeson

Most of Greater Toronto feel blast

According to reports the explosion turned the sky organe with the bright flash being seen and felt 'in most of the Greater Toronto area'.

1 hour ago04:47 Olivia Beeson

Locals thought explosion was 'thunder' then saw 'fireball'

Many locals have reacted to the explosion online, saying they saw it from their 'backyards'. One Canadian posted on X: ""’m not sure if it was thunder or not."

Another added: "I saw the fireball go up."