Canada Journal – News of the World Articles and videos to bring you the biggest Canadian news stories from across the country every day
A 10-year-old boy is dead and an estimated 80 to 100 people have lost their homes after a fire broke out at a townhouse complex in Brampton early Sunday morning, police and firefighters say.
Officials said the boy, identified by police as Nicolas Gabriel, was visiting a family for a sleepover and he was reported missing after everyone escaped the burning complex and they were unable to find him.
Firefighters found Gabriel’s body as they extinguished hotspots and did a sweep through the gutted complex.
Family members are gathered at the Red Cross station thanking first responders and the community, but are saying little else.
“The family at this time would like to ask for respect for our privacy. Thank you and that’s it,” said a woman speaking for the family.
Emergency responders arrived on scene shortly after 3:00 a.m. The fire had started in the kitchen area of one townhouse, but quickly spread to others. Up to 100 people are now homeless and with nearby units suffering water damage, almost 300 had to be evacuated. Hours later, firefighters continue to put out hot spots.
“The fire throughout the main unit wasn’t that unusual to us, they’re very small, compact, lot of combustibles like most homes, that we can get control of, the challenge is when it gets into the roofline,” said Deputy Fire Chief Michael Clark of Brampton Fire & Emergency Services.
This is not the first time tragedy has struck on Ardglen Drive. A year and a half ago, a nine year old Kesean Williams was killed after being shot in the head while playing video games in a townhouse that is part of the same complex where the fire erupted. It’s another blow to the community which is now reeling.
“I find out this morning that he’s gone and I have to explain again to him that another friend, another friend from our neighbourhood is gone. It’s just unexplainable and I feel so bad,” said Jen Polly, a neighbour.
Evidence of just how close-knit this community is shown in its response. Within hours, it had rallied together to drop off food, clothes and donations to those impacted by the fire.
Peel Social Services and the Red Cross are on hand to help out. Evacuated residents from the nearby units are being brought in to collect valuables and medication, but it’s unclear when they’ll be able to return.
Agencies/Canadajournal
