Man injured after mysterious package blows up in his face near Montreal

REPENTIGNY, Que. - A man was rushed to hospital Friday after a package blew up in his face at his Montreal-area home.

The man, who is in his 50s, suffered injuries to his face and hands after the explosion in suburban Repentigny.

Repentigny police say his injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Police spokesman Bruno Marier said the man thought nothing of the package when he found it Friday morning.

"He opened his door and he saw a gift package on his doorstep," he said.

"Since it was his birthday recently, he brought the package inside the house and when he opened it, it exploded in his face."

Marier said about 40 homes were evacuated in the area following the blast.

He said the bomb squad will try to secure the package before officers begin their investigation.

The man works for a major petroleum company but otherwise little else is known for now, Marier added.

Police say it isn't clear if the package arrived with the mail.

Marier said the man was alone in the home when the package exploded.