Three people have been rushed to hospital after being pulled from a fire at a highrise building in Ottawa.
Emergency crews were called to the east end of Donald Street in Overbrook around 6 a.m. Thursday.
Two children and an adult are in critical condition, Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Nick DeFazio told CBC. He said the fire broke out in a third-floor apartment and the people were rescued from the hallway.
As of 7 a.m. the fire was under control, but DeFazio said multiple people have been displaced and the Salvation Army had been called in to assist.
Those who have been displaced are being taken to the Overbrook Community Centre, DeFazio said.
It’s unclear when they may be able to return home.
“It’s very stressful,” said Beacon Hill-Cyrville councillor Tim Tierney whose ward encompasses the Overbrook neighbourhood. “It’s probably one of the more needy communities and we’ve got to ensure we protect them as best we can.”
Ottawa police are warning drivers to expect significant delays in the area of St. Laurent Boulevard and Donald Street. Donald is closed east of St. Laurent and OC Transpo is detouring bus routes 20 and 27.
The fire is about five kilometres east of the core.
