Officials blame mechanical failure for Port Elgin Harbour explosion

An investigation has found mechanical failure was the cause of Tuesday's explosion and fire at the harbour in Port Elgin, Ont.

The sound from the loud explosion early Tuesday morning, reportedly woke a number of residents in the community.

It destroyed seven boats that had been prepared for winter storage and damaged a municipal washroom building.

On Thursday, the Saugeen Shores Fire Department said the explosion had been caused by a mechanical failure in one of the boats.

Members of the public are being asked to stay away from the immediate fire scene, including the damaged washroom.

A parking lot around the harbour has been re-opened.

With files from CTV Kitchener

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  Remnants of destroyed boats are pictured following an explosion and fire at the Port Elgin Harbour on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. (Brian Dunseith / CTV Kitchener)