Ottawa was shaken Saturday night after a fatal fire tore through a top-floor unit at a Centretown highrise, killing two people and sending three others to hospital.
Firefighters arrived at 395 Somerset Street West at around 9:30 p.m. to find smoke and flames visible through a balcony door on the top floor. Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Nick DeFazio said crews encountered flames from the floor to the ceiling.
What Happened
Four people were inside the unit when the fire broke out. Three were found unconscious inside the apartment; a fourth was on the balcony. Two of those inside did not survive. Of the three injured, one was taken to hospital in critical condition, one sustained minor injuries, and a third person was assessed on scene but did not require hospitalization.
The fire was brought under control by 10:03 p.m., just over 30 minutes after crews arrived. The blaze was largely contained to the unit of origin, though the unit directly below it sustained water damage and its occupants were also displaced.
The Building
The property at 395 Somerset is an Ottawa Community Housing Corporation building with approximately 250 units, primarily serving seniors.
E-Bike Under Investigation
The Ontario Fire Marshal office has taken over the investigation. DeFazio noted that a charred e-bike was recovered and is being examined as a potential factor, though no cause has been officially determined. E-bike battery fires have been a growing concern for fire services across North America.
Mayor Responds
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed condolences to the victims families and said the tragedy has deeply affected the community.
Source: CBC News Ottawa
