Two adults have tragically lost their lives in a house fire that occurred overnight in Brampton, resulting in four others, including a child, being in critical condition. The incident prompted Brampton Fire and other emergency response teams to rush to the scene near McLaughlin Road and Remembrance Road at approximately 2:13 a.m. on Thursday, as confirmed by police and paramedics.
At the site, two adults were pronounced dead, and multiple residences were evacuated for safety reasons. Paramedics disclosed that three adults and one child sustained critical injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation, and were swiftly transported to the hospital. The child, believed to be between four and five years old, was mentioned by the police in a Thursday update.
During a news conference on Thursday morning, Andy Glynn, the fire chief of Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, revealed that the deceased individuals were found both inside and outside the building. The Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal arrived at the scene to collaborate with first responders in determining the fire’s cause.
Peel Regional Police acting Sgt. Tyler Bell-Morena informed the media that a multi-generational family of nine, along with two additional individuals, resided in the building. Regrettably, three members of the family remain unaccounted for, including a child, as mentioned by Bell-Morena in a subsequent news briefing. There is uncertainty regarding whether the missing persons were present during the fire.
Chief Glynn stated that fire crews plan to dismantle the house using an excavator to search for the missing family members. He emphasized that the absence of their discovery does not necessarily indicate their presence inside the structure at this time.
Mayor Patrick Brown extended his heartfelt sympathies to the victims and their families during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. He characterized the building’s owner as an “absentee landlord,” absent from the country for an extended period. The mayor highlighted the landlord’s failure to comply with building permit regulations and inspections, emphasizing the city’s commitment to enforcing safety standards to prevent such tragedies.
A neighbor, Jude Adibe, recounted his experience of witnessing the fire spreading rapidly, expressing concern for the safety of other houses due to their proximity. He emphasized the distress and worry felt by families and students in the neighborhood, reflecting on the tragic impact of the incident.
First responders continue to be present at the scene for ongoing investigations, urging the public to avoid the area. The fire services are expected to maintain vigilance until Friday to monitor any potential fire risks.