North Vancouver Mounties is investigating a fire in a residential complex that killed one and dozens of people who were displaced on Tuesday.
Police said the fire broke out in Silverlin’s apartments on East 27th Street in North Vancouver.
“We are very sorry to report that one person died as a result of the fire,” said a sergeant. Peter DeVries of the North Vancouver RCMP, in a press release.
“Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters and other first aid workers, unfortunately we are now in the early stages of an investigation, in partnership with the BC Coroners Service, into the death of one person.
Some residents, such as Crystal Lloyd, were not surprised that a fire broke out.
“It’s not updated, it needs to be updated, but there’s just so much BC Housing will do about it,” Lloyd said.
In a statement, a spokesman for BC Housing said he was working with other agencies to find shelter for evacuees. The Crown Corporation did not provide operating funds for the building, which was built in 1979. However, “some major overhauls” funded by BC HOusing were underway.
“BC Housing is aware that residents have previously expressed concerns about the overall condition of Silverlynn Apartments. We are working with the owner and operator of the building, the Lowland Senior Citizens’ Housing Society, to solve the problems, “said an email to CTV News.
‘IT WAS LIKE AN EXPLOSION’
The first responders helped evacuate residents of the elderly complex, and the North Shore Emergency Management Agency has activated its emergency support program, which provides shelter, clothing and food for three days for the 70 people displaced.
According to the Emergency Medical Service, another person was taken to hospital, but the extent of their injuries was not reported.
The name of the victim is not disclosed, as the announcements of the relatives continue. “It was like an explosion,” resident Val Cornilo told CTV News.
Cornelius said it happened in the ward next to his.
“I went out on the balcony and the neighbors’ balcony was on fire, just completely on fire,” he said.
The building is a BC residential facility for the elderly, built in 1979.
CTV News contacted BC Housing, but has not yet received a response.
DeVries said it was not known if crime was involved in the fire, but an investigation is under way.
“It’s really a tragedy,” DeVries said. “Fortunately, this community has excellent support to take care of those affected by this fire. But today our hearts go to the family and friends of the man who lost his life.
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