Highrise fire leaving 2 children, woman in critical condition deemed suspicious
The Ottawa Police Arson Unit says the fire at an Overbrook apartment building that sent two children and a woman to hospital in critical condition Thursday morning has been deemed suspicious.
"Three patients, an adult woman and two children that sustained critical smoke inhalation as a result of the fire," said Ottawa Paramedics spokesperson Marc-Antoine Deschamps. "They were all taken to hospital in critical condition with life threatening injuries."
It started on the third floor at 1244 Donald St. at around 6 a.m.
Crews say they were on scene four minutes into the initial call. When they arrived, they confirmed the heavy smoke in the building. They note that multiple residents were taking shelter at their balconies. The fire became under control at 6:54 a.m.
Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Nick DeFazio told CTV News Ottawa crews had to rescue the two children and the woman from the the third floor and brought them ouside.
"(Once outside,) firefighters went on board the ambulances to help Ottawa Paramedics with resuscitation efforts while on route to the hospital," Ottawa Fire Services said on X.
"Firefighters checked on residents on every floor and assisted multiple residents evacuate and administered oxygen to residents in their units."
Deschamps told reporters in a media availability that there were 14 injuries in total. While six patients were treated on scene, five others were taken to hospital in stable condition.
Hundreds of displaced residents sheltered nearby after the incident. They have been able to board OC Transpo buses later in the morning to regroup at the Overbrook Community Centre, according to firefighters.
City councillor Tim Tierney said the city's main concern is "to ensure all residents are well," noting that it is unclear yet how many have been displaced.
"Police, fire, paramedics, as well as OC Transpo are all coordinating," Tierney said. "Red Cross is also assisting."
Ottawa Fire Services chief Paul Hutt said the highrise building has approximately 136 units. He said that 50 apartments were impacted by the fire, citing water and smoke damage.
Numerous officers were dispatched to help the city's fire department tackle the incident. Police say significant delays are expected in the area.
"The Ottawa Police Arson Unit will be investigating the fire, as it has been deemed to be suspicious in nature," said the OPS in an news release Thursday afternoon.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Arson Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2202.
A resident living on the seventh floor described the scene as "a disaster" with heavy smoke.
"It was suffocating. You cannot even breathe. It was bad," said Blessing Disasi. "I saw on the third floor it was all burned out. So it was just a disaster."
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Katie Griffin
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Decades-long fight': MPs unanimously pass 'anti-scab' legislation
A bill that would ban federal employers from using replacement workers or 'scabs' during lockouts or strikes passed the House of Commons unanimously on Monday.
Mike Tyson had medical issue on cross-country flight
Boxing legend Mike Tyson required medical attention after experiencing an 'ulcer flare up' toward the end of a cross-country flight Sunday, his representatives confirmed to the New York Post.
Why Canada's big grocery stores are under investigation
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Netanyahu acknowledges 'tragic mistake' after Rafah strike kills dozens of Palestinians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that a "tragic mistake" had been made after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Cattle rustling comes to Quebec as police investigate suspected theft of entire herd
Quebec provincial police are investigating after an entire herd of about 75 cattle were allegedly stolen in the Eastern Townships region last week.
B.C. senior prepares to move due to devastating effects of fraud
A Courtenay, B.C., senior is downsizing and packing to move as she comes to accept she can no longer afford to stay in her home, after falling victim to a scam that robbed her of her life savings worth more than $100,000.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.
Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company.