By The Canadian Press
The rubble of what’s left of a home in the 200 block of Queens Avenue East in Brandon following an explosion on Tuesday. (EBRANDON.CA)
BRANDON, Man. — Investigators believe a 63-year-old woman found dead in a home destroyed by an explosion in Brandon, Man., died from injuries before the blast.
Police have identified the woman as Betty Hughes, whose husband is now charged in her death.
They say a man got out of the house on his own within an hour of last Tuesday’s explosion.
Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kirby Sararas says it was hours before crews could get inside the demolished structure because it was not safe to enter.
Robert Hughes was airlifted to Winnipeg in critical condition but was later upgraded to stable.
The 63-year-old man was charged within second-degree murder upon his release from hospital.
Nearby homes had to be evacuated as a precaution after the explosion occurred, but no one else was hurt.
