Police tape demarking a crime scene.JOHN LEHMANN
A motel-bar complex has exploded in Quebec, with the site now a burning heap of debris.
The violent eruption occurred at the Turco bar, north of Trois-Rivieres, and an enormous cloud of smoke could be seen billowing from the smouldering spot.
Some passersby say they heard two loud explosions.
Ambulances are on the scene, although there are no immediate reports of fatalities.
The site is next to a quiet rural road and a perimeter has been set up around the area.
The establishment made news last year, when police arrested nine people in a series of drug raids. Two of the motel rooms were among the raid sites.