Worker fell through a set of stairs
At least four people, including a firefighter, were injured and 25 residents displaced following a garage fire at the Cavendish condominium building on Duckworth Street in downtown St. John’s early Sunday morning, according to a report.
Fire crews and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers responded before 3:00 a.m. NT after reports of smoke and loud noises from the building. Upon arrival, St. John’s Regional Fire Department platoon Chief Mike Hall said crews found six to eight vehicles on fire inside the garage, with black smoke filling the entire building said Hall."
Firefighters used a ladder truck and rotary saw to rescue several seniors from the third and fourth floors, cutting through balcony railings to evacuate residents safely. Four people were rescued from upper floors, and one woman was found unconscious on the ground floor. She and several others were sent to hospital for smoke inhalation, CBC reported .
During the rescue, a mayday signal was issued after a firefighter fell through a set of stairs and was injured. The firefighter was taken to hospital. Chief Hall said it was the first mayday incident in his nearly 32-year career, according to the report.
The fire caused significant smoke damage throughout the building. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary fire investigation division is now investigating the cause, which is believed to have started in the parking garage, though the exact cause is still unknown .
Fire crews spent Sunday removing destroyed vehicles from the garage and securing the site. The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents and their families with temporary accommodation.
Chief Hall praised the quick response of fire crews, stating that the incident could have been a major catastrophe. He said the use of the ladder truck and interior search teams ensured everyone was evacuated safely and that there were no fatalities said Hall."
The RNC investigation is ongoing.
