Two adults have lost their lives following a house fire in Brampton that also left four others, including a young child, in critical condition.
Brampton Fire and emergency crews responded to the fire near Mc Laughlin Road and Remembrance Road at approximately 2:13 a. m. on Thursday, as confirmed by police and paramedics.
The two adults were declared dead at the scene, prompting evacuations of several nearby residences.
Three adults and one child were rushed to the hospital due to critical injuries from burns and smoke inhalation, according to paramedics. The child is thought to be around four or five years old, police reported during an update on Thursday.
Andy Glynn, fire chief with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, stated that the deceased individuals were discovered “just outside” the building and “just inside,” during a news conference held on Thursday morning.
The Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal arrived on-site Thursday morning and is collaborating with first responders to determine what caused the fire.
Peel Regional Police acting Sgt. Tyler Bell-Morena informed reporters that it appears a multi-generational family of nine lived in the building along with two other residents.
Andy Glynn, fire chief with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, mentioned that both neighboring buildings sustained damage from the fire and will remain evacuated while efforts continue to dismantle the affected home. (Grant Linton/CBC)
Some Family Members Still Missing, According to Police
At a later news conference on Thursday morning, Bell-Morena indicated that three members of the multi-generational family are still unaccounted for. One of those missing is believed to be a child.
Bell-Morena shared with reporters that it’s uncertain if those who are missing were present when the incident occurred.
Chief Glynn stated that fire crews will utilize an excavator to carefully take apart the home in order to search for them.
“If we aren’t able to locate them, it doesn’t mean they’re inside; it just means we can’t locate them at this time,” he noted during his remarks at the press conference.
Upon arrival at the scene, Glynn explained that there was significant fire involvement which caused parts of the building to collapse.
“The amount of fire involvement in this structure was significant, which prevented our crews from fully accessing the entire building.”
Brampton’s chief added that both adjacent structures suffered damage due to flames as well; they will stay evacuated until further notice while dismantling operations proceed.
“Fire services will likely be there until Friday,” he noted regarding monitoring potential risks going forward.
Brampton Mayor Criticizes Property Owner
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressed his sympathies for victims’ families while addressing reporters during an afternoon news conference on Thursday.
“Words don’t really do justice to how sad this fire is,” he said. “Our hearts are with victims’ families as well as our broader community as they navigate this challenging situation.”
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown told reporters about ongoing developments at what remains an active site. (Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press)
“The landlord had submitted a building permit application intending for renovations but failed follow-up inspections necessary after issuance,” Brown remarked concerning compliance issues raised against property ownership since 2019 still unresolved prior event.’
This event highlights why city officials have been actively enforcing regulations surrounding illegal units – tragedies like these should not happen because proper measures weren’t taken,” Brown asserted passionately.
A Neighbor Describes Rapid Spread of Flames
A neighbor named Jude Adibe recounted running outside barefoot upon waking up only discover emergency teams hard at work battling fierce flames nearby & expressed concerns over its spread toward other homes within proximity.”Because houses are close together here-fire traveled rapidly across fences before quickly taking hold elsewhere!”
“I feared they wouldn’t control it.” He admitted feeling anxious sleepless nights worried about safety levels seen throughout neighborhood comprised largely families/students alike-expressing deep sorrow overall experience!
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