An early morning fire in Richmond Hill sent five people to the hospital. Emergency teams responded to the home near Skywood Drive and Rollinghill Road around 3 a.m.
Upon arrival, first responders found four people inside the house. Paramedics evaluated five individuals at the scene, with four appearing unresponsive. All five were rushed to the hospital for medical care.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, and the Ontario Fire Marshal has been alerted. Local residents were temporarily evacuated, but they’ve since been allowed to return to their homes. Fire crews remain on-site to watch for any lingering hot spots.
Update – An 11-year-old child has died in hospital. All of the other victims are in critical condition. Police believe the cause of the fire is started by an arson, after the discovery of a red gas canister under a tree near the house.
Update 2 – Another resident, identified as 24-year-old Helya Bahari-Kashani, has died from her injuries on Wednesday.