A high-rise fire in Centretown, Ottawa, claimed two lives and injured two others on Saturday night. Ottawa Fire Services responded shortly after 9:30 p.m. to reports of active alarms and flames on the 19th floor of a building on Somerset Street West.
Firefighters encountered heavy smoke and floor-to-ceiling flames while rescuing trapped residents. Three unconscious occupants were found inside the unit, a fourth was located on the balcony, and a fifth was assisted from a nearby unit.
All were moved to the hallway for lifesaving care. One person was pronounced dead at the scene; another died later at the hospital. Two others were hospitalized, one in critical condition, while a fifth person was assessed but not admitted.
The fire was contained by 10 p.m. and a fire watch remains in place. Investigators from Ottawa Fire Services and the Ontario Fire Marshal are examining the cause. A charred e-bike was removed from the apartment, which is being examined as part of the investigation.