The Office of the Fire Commissioner investigates a fatal fire on Austin Street North Saturday, July 16, 2011. (WPGCAMERAMAN / CHRISD.CA)
Four people have perished after an early morning blaze in the city’s Port Douglas area.
The fire broke out at about 2 a.m. Saturday at 291 Austin Street North.
Six adults were in the rooming house at the time. Four succumbed to their injuries — three men and one woman — while the other two remain in critical condition.
The Winnipeg police homicide unit is investigating the cause.
Damage is estimated at $100,000.
This is the second deadly fire in the city in recent days. On Friday, a 73-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries after a fire in St. Vital late Thursday that ravaged three condominium units.
UPDATE: July 17, 2011 — Lulonda Lynn Flett, 40, has been charged with second degree murder x 4 and attempted murder x 4 as a result of her alleged involvement. Flett was arrested in the 800 block of Main Street at about 4 p.m. on Saturday. Winnipeg police say an accelerant was used on the front porch area, igniting the residence. The investigation is ongoing.
UPDATE: July 18, 2011 — A fifth person, an adult man, has succumbed to his injuries.
