Two dead in Amherstview fire

OPP are now confirming that two people are dead following a fire at an apartment complex in Amherstview.

Loyalist Fire responded to the three-story apartment building at the corner of Manitou Cres W and Murray Pl shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4th, 2020 following a report of heavy smoke coming from a third-floor apartment.

Fire crews initially struggled to enter the unit and used a ladder truck to access the apartment and fight the fire from one of the unit’s windows on the east side of the building.

The building was evacuated as fire crews battled the fire inside the unit. The fire was knocked down by 7 p.m. and the scene was turned over to OPP and the Ontario Fire Marshall for investigation shortly thereafter.

OPP have been on scene since that time and the building remains cordoned off with police tape as of Thursday, Nov. 5, with a blue tarp covering one of the windows of the unit. A forensics unit continues to investigate the incident, which is considered suspicious in nature.

A 37-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man were found deceased at the scene. Their causes of death remain under investigation. Their identities have not been confirmed at this time, pending notification of next-of-kin.

Any person with information regarding this incident should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may submit a tip to Crime Stoppers at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

More to come…