The images of yesterday’s propane depot explosion in north Toronto are shocking, with one observer saying the explosion was “like an atomic bomb.” And while we can be thankful the casualties weren’t worse (the area “got off very lucky” according to one Toronto Fire Division Commander), my thoughts go out to the families of the two individuals reported missing and dead. It’s a real tragedy.

Residents have now expressed anger that such a potentially dangerous facility was close enough to a residential area to cause damage and death. Of course, they have a point. In response, “Toronto is launching a review of all areas that could pose a potential hazard to nearby homes” in order to “identify any other facilities that may be operating close to residential communities.” I humbly suggest they not forget to consider Pickering and Darlington in their review, especially considering recent nuclear safety developments.

Saturday night as Toronto went to bed, an explosion like the one we saw Sunday morning was unthinkable to most. Tonight as we go to bed, a nuclear accident will be just as unthinkable. As unlikely as such an accident (hopefully) is, it would be terminally devastating. No one wants to have 20/20 hindsight on an accident like that.