Deadly fire in Winnipeg's St. John's neighbourhood investigated as homicide

Two peopletaken to hospital in critical condition after a fire in Winnipeg's St. John's neighbourhood on Saturday morning have since died, Winnipeg police say.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Servicerescued a 49-year-old man and 38-year-old woman from the suite of a three-storey commercial and residential mixed-use building on Atlantic Avenue, between Charles and Main streets,around 3 a.m.

Police have notified the deceased's next of kin, police said in an update on Sunday afternoon.

Two other people were treated for smoke inhalation.

Kimberley Houle lives across the street and said she was devastatedto hear two people had died.

"Knowing that and knowing those poor people now have to bury their family, it's so sad," she said. "It's so, so sad."

Meanwhile, officers called the fire "suspicious" and continue to investigate the incident for arson and as a homicide case.

The City of Winnipeg previously said the building suffered significant damage from the fire. Noarrests have been made.

Anyone with information regarding the incident, including video surveillance, is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6508 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

Deadly fire in Winnipeg's St. John's neighbourhood investigated as homicide

5 days ago

Duration 1:49

Two people taken to hospital in critical condition after a fire in Winnipeg's St. John's neighbourhood on Saturday morning have since died, Winnipeg police say.