Brandon Police responded to a report of a house explosion in the 200 block of Queen’s Avenue East on October 22nd at approximately 7:50pm.

Emergency responders arrived to the strong smell of natural gas. Manitoba Hydro turned off the gas within the hour and Robert Hughes, 63, exited the residence on his own once the gas had been turned off. Robert Hughes was taken the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre by STARS air ambulance. His wife Betty Hughes, 63, was found deceased in the home after the structure was reinforced by members of Urban Search and Rescue.

Brandon police Sgt. Kirby Sararas told reporters “The death of Mrs. Hughes was not accidental but was caused by injuries inflicted on her prior to the explosion,”. Police also noted that the explosion was also determined to be intentionally set.

Mr. Hughes was released from the hospital on October 25th, arrested and charged with second-degree murder.