2 people critically injured after motel fire, rescue attempt in east London
The injured people include a motel guest and a person who tried to save them from the blaze
One man is fighting for his life, and another is in serious condition following a rescue attempt after a fire broke out at a motel in east London early Monday morning.
One of the people injured was staying in the burning motel room at the American Plaza Motel at 2031 Dundas St., and the other was a guest who rushed in to try to save him, according to London Fire Department platoon chief Brent Shea.
Both men remain in hospital, according to London police, adding that one has life-threatening injuries and the other suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
"I awoke to the sound of sirens, and at first, I didn't take it very seriously. I just thought it was something minor," said Jessica Elizabeth, who has been living at the American Plaza Motel since November. "Then, obviously, I looked outside and saw what was going on."
Emergency crews were called to the motel just after 5 a.m. It took seven crews roughly five minutes to knock down the fire, Shea said, adding the fire was contained to the one room.
Elizabeth said she watched fire crews arrive and noticed the strong smells of smoke and plastic coming from room 15, located in the corner of the motel.
"There is definitely some shock going on there and the fact that they've lost everything," she said, adding that she gave blankets and shoes to some of the occupants affected this morning.
Elizabeth was one of around 10 people forced out of their rooms for an hour while crews contained the fire in the morning. The motel guests stayed in a room next to the check-in office or a heated London Transit Commission bus, she said.
"Everyone was very well taken care of, and I didn't fear for my life at all."
The American Plaza Motel has 40 rooms, but only about 15 were booked the night of the fire, said Asad Bhatti, who was working at the time.
"It's a nightmare for business owners for this kind of stuff to happen," he said, adding that he's glad the fire was contained quickly and occupants could get back to their rooms.
Bhatti said the motel has a mix of long-term occupants and travelling guests. Shea said it's important for travellers to think about fire safety.
"It's always important to have a fire escape plan whether you're at home or abroad. Make sure you know where your exits are," Shea said.
The London Fire Department, London Police Service and Ontario Fire Marshall are now investigating the fire.
A cause hasn't yet been determined, and there is no preliminary estimate for how much the fire may have cost in damages.