Montreal firefighters discovered a person within the rubble after a fireplace early Monday morning in an residence constructing within the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood the place many residents have low mobility.
Mohammed Ahmed lives within the constructing and mentioned when he heard the hearth alarm sound in the midst of the night time, he solely had time to seize one bag of belongings earlier than fleeing.
"I’m all the time preserving prepared one bag: essential papers, some cash, and some garments," a behavior that goes again a very long time, he mentioned.
When the hearth broke out on the fourth flooring of the constructing on Gatineau Ave. simply earlier than 3 a.m., one resident didn't make it out.
"Sadly, once we have been wanting into this residence, the firefighters discovered somebody who was deceased. His loss of life was pronounced on the scene," mentioned Montreal police (SPVM) spokesperson Veronique Comtois.
The constructing is a government-subsidized housing advanced for low-income seniors.
Montreal police (SPVM) are handing the investigation, as is the case when any individual dies in a fireplace.
Many who stay within the constructing have restricted mobility and needed to depend on others to get out safely. Mauricio Arce's aunt was a type of, mentioned Arce.
"She's nervous and confused," he mentioned, including that she makes use of a wheelchair and the evacuation was tough.
Comtois mentioned the constructing was evacuated, and many of the residents have been capable of return to their rooms after the firefighters completed placing out the blaze.
She mentioned the hearth was primarily within the residence the place the individual died, however some adjoining residences have been affected.
At dawn, the precise reason behind the hearth was not but recognized. Nevertheless, the SPVM reported that it appeared unlikely that it was of legal origin.
The Montreal hearth division mentioned seniors residing alone ought to be taught numerous security ideas.
"All the time keep watch over what you are cooking," mentioned Sandra Lisi of the division.
"Set a timer, so that you hear when it goes off. Do not put on garments which can be too giant, as a result of they'll simply get caught and all the time have one thing beside [the oven] to stifle the hearth, like the duvet of a pan."
The Crimson Cross will help among the seniors as they transfer to lodges whereas their residences are being repaired.
-- With recordsdata from the Canadian Press.
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