Arson suspect from weekend fiery explosion held in hospital on mental health warrant

The man accused of causing a massiveexplosion that sent six people to hospital on Saturday isbeing held under a mental health warrant, a Calgary judge heard Wednesday.

Gavin Peter Robinson, 40, is at a local hospital and was unable to appear in court.

Robinson is charged with arson causing bodily harm stemming from an explosion andfire at a townhouse complex on Saturday night in the northeast community of Monterey Park.

Police believe Robinson intentionally set the fire in his home using an accelerantthatcaused the explosion.

One victim in life-threatening condition

On Wednesday, Robinson was due to make his first court appearance, but Justice John Bascom heard from duty counsel lawyer Ed Washington that the accused is in hospital.

The case was put over for a week.

"Hopefullyhe'll be well by then," said Bascom.

• Man charged with arson following fiery explosion that sent 6 to hospital in Calgary

In announcing Robinson's charges on Tuesday, police said the investigation continues and further charges are expected.

On Saturday just after 11 p.m., firefighters and police were called to Las Americas Villasfor a fire believed to have started by an explosion that came from inside one of the homes.

The fire quicklyspread to neighbouring townhomes and several people were injured.

Some victims were treated at the scene, six were taken to hospital, including one person who was listed in life-threatening condition at the time.

Three two-storey townhomes were destroyed by fire. A fourth is considered currently uninhabitable.