Teams in North Vancouver are investigating a fire in a housing complex that killed and displaced dozens on Tuesday.
Police said the fire broke out in the Silverlynn Apartments on East 27th Street in North Vancouver.
“We are very sad to report that one person has died as a result of the fire,” the sergeant said. Peter DeVries, RCMP of North Vancouver, in a press release.
“Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters and other lifeguards, unfortunately we are now in the early stages of an investigation, in collaboration with the BC Forensic Service, into the death of one person.”
Some residents, such as Crystal Lloyd, were not surprised that a fire broke out.
“It hasn’t been updated, it needs to be updated, but there will only be so much BC Housing that will do that,” Lloyd said.
A statement from BC Housing said it was working with other agencies to find shelter for the evicted residents. The Crown Corporation does not provide operating funding for the building that was built in 1979. However, “some major capital repairs,” funded by BC HOusing, were underway.
“BC Housing is aware that residents have previously expressed concern about the general condition of Silverlynn’s apartments. We have been working with the building’s owner and operator, Lowland Senior Citizens’ Housing Society, to resolve the issues.” said an email to CTV News.
“IT WAS LIKE AN EXPLOSION”
First responders helped evacuate residents of the senior complex and North Shore Emergency Management activated its emergency support program, which offers three days of shelter, clothing and food for the 70 people who were displaced.
According to the Health Emergency Service, another person was taken to hospital, but the extent of his injuries was not revealed.
The victim’s name is not published as notifications from closest relatives are in progress. “It was like an explosion,” resident Val Kornilo told CTV News.
Kornilo said he went to the unit next to his.
“He went out on the balcony and the neighbors’ balcony was on fire, totally on fire, ”he said.
The building is a BC housing facility for the elderly that was built in 1979.
CTV News has contacted BC Housing, but has not yet received a response.
DeVries said it is not known if there was any crime in the fire, but there is an ongoing investigation.
“This is really a tragedy,” DeVries said. “Fortunately, this community has excellent support to care for those affected by this fire. But today our heart is especially in the family and friends of the person who lost his life.”