Music
Cops confirm loud blast that rattled GTA turned out to be a film shoot, with Toronto rapper sharing clips of explosions on Instagram
Published Apr 17, 2026 • Last updated Apr 17, 2026 • 2 minute read
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
- Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
- Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
- Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
- Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
- Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
- Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Article content
A loud explosion that rattled parts of Toronto Thursday night turned out to be far less dramatic than it sounded.
Article content
Article content
It was all part of a controlled film shoot, police later confirmed, according to Global News.
Earlier in the week, residents had been warned something was coming, though details were vague. A public notice said people in the area could hear loud noises, see flashes of light, and notice brief smoke during pre-approved activities the week of April 13, according to NOW. At the time, no one really knew what those “activities” actually were.
People caught off guard when blast hit
Social media lit up quickly, with residents across the GTA describing a powerful boom and bright flashes near Downsview Park, and wondering if something had gone wrong, per Global News. Some thought it might be an accident or even an emergency.
A few users online speculated the explosion might be tied to a music video shoot involving Drake— especially after the Toronto rapper reposted footage of the blast to his Instagram story early Friday morning, according to Global News.
Article content
Online reactions ranged from confused to amused
One Reddit user said they thought it was thunder, while another joked they assumed a raccoon had knocked over their garbage bins after hearing a loud bang, per NOW. Not everyone was guessing, though — one user called it: “It’s Drake,” according to NOW.
Police later cleared things up, confirming the explosion was tied to a film shoot, per Global News. The earlier notice also made it clear the pyrotechnics were planned and controlled, reassuring the public “there’s no risk … to safety.”
Stunt tied to Iceman album
Drake eventually confirmed the speculation himself, sharing clips of the explosions on Instagram, reports NOW.
The spectacle appears to be part of the rollout for his forthcoming album Iceman. He’s been teasing the project for over a year, according to XXLMag.com, with a steady stream of content including his Iceman YouTube series and singles such as Which One with Central Cee, What Did I Miss?, and Dog House featuring Yeat and Julia Wolf.
Love concerts, but can’t make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances.
Article content