The Brandon Police Service has released more details after a man was charged with murder in the death of his wife following a house explosion.

The explosion occurred in the 200 block of Queen’s Avenue East in Brandon, Man., on Tuesday, October 22, at 7:50 pm.

Sgt. Kirby Sararas of the BPS says in a release that when emergency crews arrived they detected a strong odour of natural gas. Manitoba Hydro employees were called and turned the gas off within the hour.

Once the gas was shut off police say the 63-year-old male resident, Robert Hughes, exited the residence on his own. He was later transported by STAR air ambulance to Health Science Centre in Winnipeg with serious injuries.

Police and emergency workers were not able to enter the home for several hours, however, because of the instability of the structure following the explosion. The structure was reinforced by members of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). Once the building was deemed safe, officers were then able to enter and attend to 63-year-old, Betty Hughes, who was deceased.

Following their initial investigation, the BPS now allege that "the death of Mrs. Hughes was not accidental, but was caused by injuries inflicted on her prior to the explosion. The explosion was also determined to be intentionally set."

On Friday, October 25, 2019, BPS Major Crime Section members arrested Mr. Hughes. He was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre and appeared before a Justice on a charge of 2nd Degree Murder, on October 26, 2019 and was remanded in custody.

Police say they will not release further details surrounding Betty Hughes' death or the explosion as the case as now before the courts. 

"Brandon Police Service would like to offer our condolences to the family of Mrs. Hughes," Sararas says. She also asked for privancy for the family during this time.