A methodical search is underway for three missing individuals following a devastating fire in Brampton that has already claimed two lives and left four others injured, with one victim's condition deteriorating to critical.
Victim Condition Worsens Amid Ongoing Search
One of the four people hospitalized after the blaze has seen their condition change back to critical, according to Peel Regional Police. Constable Tyler Bell explained Friday that this deterioration "is not uncommon with fire-related injuries." The other two adults injured remain in stable condition, while a five-year-old child victim "is doing well."
The fire erupted early Thursday at a semi-detached home on Banas Way in the McLaughlin and Remembrance Roads area. Police confirmed they believe nine individuals were part of a multi-generational family living in the home, with two additional residents in a basement unit who have since been accounted for.
Painstaking Investigation and Structural Concerns
Fire investigators are conducting a slow, methodical search of the destroyed property as they work to stabilize the structure and carefully remove debris. Deputy Fire Marshal Carrie Clark emphasized the thorough nature of the operation, stating that "every area is checked prior to it being removed and brought down and then as the debris is brought down, it is checked for other critical items that we could find that would be important to the investigation."
The search teams are simultaneously looking for the three missing family members while also searching for smoke alarms and other evidence that could help determine the cause of the deadly blaze. Clark could not provide a timeline for how long the investigation might take, given the careful process required.
Community Support and Official Response
Police are relying on information from neighbors and those familiar with the family, as the injured individuals in hospital remain unable to provide details about the missing persons. "What we've been able to ascertain is that we think there are two individuals that were in a basement unit of the residence and we think nine individuals are part of a multi-generational family," Bell explained.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown raised questions Thursday about the home's permits and construction. Fire Chief Andy Glynn responded that his team will review all relevant documents, stating, "To be really honest, I'm not sure what the outcome of that will be. Obviously it's concerning for us. This is a tragic fire and it affects everybody, so we're going to continue to do whatever we can to prevent this."
Approximately six to sixteen residents from neighboring homes have been displaced and will be allowed to return to their properties once the burned structure is made safe and their homes are deemed habitable. Peel Regional Police will remain on scene to support the Ontario Fire Marshal's ongoing investigation into this tragic incident that has shaken the Brampton community.
