One person rushed to hospital after explosion at auto mechanic shop in Richmond Hill

Black smoke can be seen pouring from an explosion turned fire at an auto body shop in Richmond Hill. (Viewer photo/Dragan Kosmajac)

One person has been taken to hospital with severe burns after an explosion at an auto mechanic shop in Richmond Hill.

York Regional Police said a call came in at around 12:45 p.m. for an explosion and fire on Red Maple Road near 16th Avenue.

Heavy black smoke could be seen pouring out of the area from a great distance.

Police said at least one person was injured due to the explosion. At first, the extent of their injuries was not immediately clear but police later said the victim was taken to a local hospital with severe burns.

York Regional Police tweeted that homeowners in the area should stay indoors due to heavy smoke drifting from the fire. Toronto Fire has since lifted the order for residents to stay inside.

Red Maple Road has been closed between 16th and Bantry avenues as police and firefighters attend to the scene.

The Ontario Fire Marshall has been called in to determine the origin and cause of the fire, and crews are expected to remain on the scene through the night to attend to hotspots in the area.