A fire on New Year’s Eve in Duncan claimed the life of one person and sent seven more to hospital, according to first responders.
Emergency crews responded to the fire in the 2500 block of Lewis Street just before 1 p.m. on December 31st.
North Cowichan Southend, Maple Bay, Crofton and Duncan Fire Departments all responded to the blaze at an apartment building.
The fire is believed to have started on the fourth floor. Eyewitness video from the scene shows flames shooting from windows of the building.
BC Emergency Health Services dispatched 10 ground and one air ambulances to the scene. Paramedics treated multiple patients onsite.
Six patients in stable condition and one patient in serious condition were transported to hospital by ground.
One other patient in critical condition was flown by air ambulance to a higher level of care facility.
On Saturday, Duncan RCMP said that one person had died in the fire and the BC Coroner’s Service will be investigating.
They added that the source of the fire has yet to be determined, but there is no indication of illegal drug activity causing the blaze.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to the BC Coroner’s Service for additional information on this story.
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