Homeowner charged in fatal 2023 Riverdale home explosion: Yukon RCMP

Yukon RCMP have charged the owner of a Riverdale home that exploded in January, killing one person and injuring four others.

The explosion occurred on Jan. 20 at a home on the 200 block of Henderson Street.

The homeowner, 26-year-old Zachary Evanchick, has been charged with one count of criminal negligence causing death and four counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

Yukon RCMP Cpl. Natasha Dunsmore said the investigation has determined that the explosion was caused by a propane leak.

"The investigation revealed that the accused had been working on the home's plumbing system and had made modifications to the propane system," Dunsmore said in a news release.

"These modifications were not done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or industry standards, and they created a dangerous condition that ultimately led to the explosion."

Evanchick was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in court on Thursday.

He has been released on conditions and is scheduled to return to court on May 1.

The explosion caused extensive damage to the home and neighbouring properties.

One person, 47-year-old Lori Jeske, was killed in the blast.

Four others, including Evanchick, were injured.

The investigation is ongoing.