One dead in Langley seniors housing complex fire
Posted April 4, 2013 7:10 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LANGLEY (NEWS1130) – Tragedy has hit the seniors community in the city of Langley.
One person is dead after a fire at a seniors housing complex. Eight others have been injured and are being treated in hospital for smoke inhalation according to RCMP. Three of the seniors are in critical condition
The fire started inside a second storey unit at the Rainbow Lodge. Several people had to be rescued from that floor.
Langley Mayor Peter Fassbender watched in agony. “Just a sad thing and you know, I was there while they were still knocking down the fire and I saw the rest of the seniors that live in that facility and my heart was breaking for them.”
Fassbender feels for everyone affected by the fire at 203rd Street and 54th Avenue. “It’s a huge, huge sad day for our seniors community. For the Lions Society that runs that facility, for all the staff, it is sad when something like this happens.”
Fire investigators have yet to determine a cause.
Langley City Fire Chief Rory Thompson says heat and power should be restored to at least part of the building today. “We are hoping to see half the residents returning to their rooms.”
Police are working with emergency services to provide temporary housing, and it’s unknown when those living there can return home.
