A quiet Saturday morning turned tragic in Toronto’s east end when flames engulfed a high-rise apartment, resulting in the death of a man in his 70s and leaving a woman fighting for her life in hospital.
Emergency crews rushed to the residential building near Victoria Park and Danforth avenues around 9:30 a.m. following multiple 911 calls reporting heavy smoke billowing from a unit on the ninth floor. First responders arrived to find the apartment consumed by fire, with two occupants trapped inside.
“The smoke was visible from several blocks away,” said Toronto Fire Services Captain Miguel Santana. “Our teams immediately initiated rescue operations while working to contain the blaze.”
Firefighters battled through intense heat and thick smoke to reach the victims. The elderly male resident was found without vital signs and, despite resuscitation efforts at the scene, was pronounced dead shortly after. The female occupant, whose age has not been disclosed, suffered severe smoke inhalation and burns. She was transported to a trauma center where she remains in critical condition.
Toronto Police confirmed to CO24 News that approximately 30 residents were evacuated from neighboring units as a precautionary measure. Most have since been allowed to return to their homes, though units adjacent to the fire remain uninhabitable due to smoke and water damage.
The Toronto Fire Marshal’s office has launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, though preliminary findings suggest it may have originated in the kitchen. “We’re examining all possibilities, but initial evidence points to an accidental cooking fire,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Jasmine Wong.
Building resident Terrence McPherson, who lives two floors below the affected unit, described the chaotic scene. “I heard the alarms and thought it was just another drill until I opened my door and saw smoke in the hallway. The evacuation was orderly, but everyone was worried about who might be caught in the fire.”
City councilor Paula Fletcher arrived at the scene by midday and has been coordinating with the Red Cross to provide temporary accommodation for displaced residents. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy for our community,” Fletcher told reporters. “We’re ensuring all affected residents receive the support they need during this difficult time.”
This incident marks the fourth fatal fire in Toronto this year, raising concerns about fire safety in the city’s aging apartment buildings. As investigations continue into this tragic event, how might we better protect our most vulnerable residents in high-rise buildings that often date back several decades?
