OPP say it is difficult to determine how many people died in an overnight fire at Pikangikum First Nation, but confirm the number could be as many as nine. The fire broke out just before midnight last (Tuesday) evening. In an official Press Release, OPP say: Officers from the Pikangikum Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Pikangikum Fire Department responded to a residential fire located on Dunsford Road on Pikangikum First Nation. As a result of the investigation being conducted, police can confirm that there are a number of persons who have died and there are a number of persons that remain unaccounted for at this time. The OPP is currently attempting to confirm the whereabouts of up to nine persons that were believed to have been inside the residence when the fire began. Additional resources may be required to carry out this aspect of the investigation. At present, the OPP North West Region Crime Unit is currently on scene and is awaiting the arrival of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), Forensic Identification Services Unit (FISU), investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Office of the Regional Supervising Coroner. The ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined, will be conducted by the OPP, Office of the Fire Marshal and the Office of the Regional Supervising Coroner.
My heart goes out to those affected by the tragic fire in Pikangikum First Nation. We stand ready with support as the community copes.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 30, 2016
