At Least Five Dead in Quebec Retirement Home Fire

Thirty people still unaccounted for after devastating blaze

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The death toll from Thursday’s late-night fire in a Quebec senior citizens home rose to five Friday, as firefighters continued to clear the damage from the blaze.

With 30 residents still missing, authorities expect that number to continue rising, the Associated Press reports.

“We can keep some hope for those unaccounted for, but there’s very little doubt that the loss of life is considerable,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper .

The fire began at 12:30 A.M. in a three-story senior citizens residence in rural L’Isle-Verte, Quebec. The fire spread quickly, making rescue efforts difficult, according to local firefighters.

[AP]

This post has been updated to include the higher death toll