Baby Dead and Four Children Critical After Spill in Fort McMurray

Police in Fort McMurray are investigating an incident at an apartment complex that has resulted in the death of a baby and has sent four other children to hospital.

Wood Buffalo RCMP received a call for help on February 22^nd at around 3:00 p.m. as an evacuation of one floor of an apartment building took place at 81 Fraser Avenue. Police received a call of a possible unknown substance that may have spilled from one of the apartments.

Location of the incident in Fort McMurray (Photo Credit: Google Maps)

The five young children were taken to hospital suffering from the effects of the spill and an eight month old has since died. Two other children ages two and six were transported to Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton by air ambulance. The remaining two children ages four and seven are in hospital. The condition of the remaining children is reported to be critical.

“The mother of the deceased child is also in hospital in Fort McMurray and is under observation. The father of the deceased child is in Edmonton with the other children,” said RCMP in a statement. “Preliminary investigation indicates the substance to be some kind of fumigant however, the investigation into this unfortunate event is continuing.”

The entire building was evacuated to ensure the safety of other resident, however air quality testing was completed and RCMP say it no longer poses a threat. Residents were allowed to return to their homes Sunday evening. RCMP have not release the names or genders of the children involved and will provide more information once it becomes available.