3 people have been charged with arson in connection to an apartment fire on Sherbrook St. Saturday.
The men, aged 16, 18 and 20, were arrested after being found at a residence nearby on Furby St.
Just before the fire started residents say they heard arguing on the main floor. A number of people were taken into custody.
“We’re
working on a number of possibilities with regards to why this occurred,”
said Const. Jason Michalyshen, with the Winnipeg Police Service. “We have
to keep in mind the investigation is on going and further arrests are
pending.”
Get breaking National news
The West
End apartment block was completely destroyed after fire tore
through the building on Sherbrook
Street near Ellice Avenue around 7 a.m. Saturday.
Upwards of 50 people
were evacuated from the area. Around 20 of them are now homeless.
The total damages are estimated at $1,000,000.
“It gives me some comfort that the person who did that is under arrest, so it’s a good,” said Ahmedel Gudu, who lives in the apartment and lost everything.
The flames spread so
fast, they trapped people in their suites.
“They were taking
people out of the building on ladders and extracting them down the hallway when
the fire was under control,” said Bill Clark, with the Winnipeg Fire
Paramedic Service. “It was a very, very spectacular rescue that went
on.”
In all 19 people were
taken to hospital, three adults and a child were rushed in unstable condition.
A firefighter is also recovering from minor injuries.
The building was completely destroyed, and the apartment block next door is damaged.
The city and province as
well as the Salvation Army and Red Cross are making sure everyone has a place
to stay.
It’s estimated those
living in neighbouring apartment blocks won’t be allowed back home for a few
more days.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.