House Fire A Death Trap For Wheelchair-Stricken Man
Posted February 26, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A wheelchair-bound man who suffered from multiple sclerosis died after a two-alarm house fire on Waterbeach Crescent in the Rexdale and Martin Grove area Tuesday.
Firefighters were called to the residence at around 4:45pm .
When they arrived they found the victim, believed to be in his mid 40s, without vital signs. He was reportedly on fire when police and fire officials arrived, and was later declared dead at the scene. The deceased man has since been identified as Darryl Allen.
Firefighters also found two other victims who were trying to help the wheelchair-bound Allen get out of the residence. Unfortunately they were driven back by the smoke and flames. Both have been transported to hospital with serious injuries.
They are the victim’s father and his 19-year-old nephew.
Councillor Rob Ford is close friends with the family and was shaken up by what transpired.
“The grandson came knocking on the door and said ‘My uncle Darryl’s on fire.’ They tried, they are heroes for trying.”
“I just hope the grandfather and grandson are okay.”
Officials are still searching for a cause, and are trying to discern whether or not fire alarms were in place.
“As of right now there’s no indication that there were any smoke alarms in the house, but that’s still preliminary, we’re still looking into the cause, but the fire definitely originated in the bedroom,” said investigator Mike Ross.
Neighbours say the victim’s family has lived in the house for nearly 50 years.
