An early-morning blaze on Crosby Avenue involved three vehicles and two semi-detached homes. Authorities are investigating the fire’s origin, cause and circumstances.
By Staff Writer
A 69-year-old man has died following an early-morning fire in Richmond Hill on Wednesday, October 21.
Emergency crews responded shortly after 3 a.m. to Crosby Avenue, between Newkirk Road and Bayview Avenue. Authorities reported that three vehicles and two semi-detached homes were involved in the fire.
According to authorities, the fire appears to have started in a vehicle parked in a driveway before spreading to the neighbouring homes. The cause of the vehicle fire has not been determined.
Richmond Hill Fire Chief Tom Raeburn described a chaotic scene, with residents fleeing their homes and burning vehicles obstructing firefighters’ access to the buildings.
Firefighters rescued one man through a basement window. A second man, aged 69, was removed from one of the homes without vital signs. He was later confirmed dead.
Both homes were evacuated. Authorities initially reported no other injuries.
The deceased man’s identity has not been publicly released.
Authorities say it is too early to determine whether the fire was suspicious. Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal is expected to investigate the fire’s origin, cause and circumstances.
Crosby Avenue was closed between Newkirk Road and Bayview Avenue during the emergency response.
This is a developing story. Strong Richmond Hill will update this report as further verified information becomes available.
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