Five people were sent to hospital after an apartment fire in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG – Five people were taken to hospital early Sunday morning after a fire broke out in a five-storey apartment building.

Winnipeg firefighters were called to the 100 block of Furby Street around 3:20 a.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the building.

Emergency crews learned that several people may have been trapped in their rooms. Firefighters used aerial ladders to rescue several residents from the burning structure. Two people were taken to the hospital in serious condition, while the condition of three others is unstable.

A Winnipeg Transit bus was sent to the scene to provide shelter for evacuees.

Residents were unable to re-enter the building due to smoke, fire and water damage.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedics says about 30 of the 40 evacuees need help finding temporary housing.

The cause of the fire is being determined. A damage estimate was not immediately available.