HAMILTON — Three people are dead after an overnight fire in Hamilton that began in one house and spread to another one.
Hamilton Fire Department spokesman Claudio Mostacci says firefighters were called to the scene in the city's north end at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday.
Mostacci says 11 people were in the homes on Niagara Street at the time of the fire.
He says the three bodies, which firefighters initially were unable to locate, were found at the scene Saturday afternoon.
Seven people were sent to hospital and one escaped uninjured.
Mostacci says the bodies have not been moved pending an investigation by police and the Ontario fire marshal.
He adds that the victims' identities will be released once next of kin have been notified.
Media release for 70 Niagara Street Multiple Alarm Fire @HamiltonPolice @hemsparamedics #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/vEi1gGNVfB
— Hamilton Fire Dept (@HamiltonFireDep) August 6, 2016
Mostacci says firefighters were forced to abandon their search-and-rescue efforts before they were finished, due to concerns that the structures might collapse.
The fire department says an investigation by police and the fire marshal is ongoing and that the coroner is on the scene.
