A young woman has recently died as the result of a residential fire on Centennial Drive East in Thompson, Manitoba.
On January 24, 2020, at approximately 6:15am, Thompson RCMP received multiple reports of a residence on fire at a location on Centennial Drive East. The reports indicated that people may be trapped inside.
Officers, along with Thompson Fire and Emergency Services immediately responded.
As the first emergency personnel to arrive on scene, RCMP officers assisted neighbours to pull an 89-year-old woman to safety from a first floor window. Once rescued, the woman indicated that additional people may be inside the residence. She was later transported to hospital.
Despite the flames and smoke, officers continued with their efforts to gain entry to the burning home to rescue any other trapped residents. At the direction of neighbours, a 61-year-old man was able to escape the home by jumping from a window. A 21-year-old male resident was able to flee the house through the flames. He was transported to hospital with very serious injuries and remains in hospital in critical condition.
Police say that a 20-year-old female remained unaccounted for, but due to the fire and structural integrity of the home, fire and police were unable to enter the residence.
RCMP report that the body of a female was located in the residence on January 25. An autopsy is scheduled to confirm her identity.
As a result of this incident, four RCMP officers were treated for smoke inhalation sustained during their attempts to rescue the residents.
RCMP acknowledged the brave and selfless community members who rushed towards the burning home within the first few minutes to aid those in danger.
The Office of the Fire Commissioner and the Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.
