On February 9th, 2023, at 7:59pm Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 6 District (Port Colborne / Wainfleet) responded alongside Wainfleet Fire and Niagara Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) paramedics for what was reported as a residential structure fire on Perry Road between Concession 5 Road and Concession 6 Road, in the Township of Wainfleet.
As officers approached, heavy smoke could be seen in the area and upon arrival the residence was fully engulfed in flames. Information received was that the residence was occupied by three individuals at the time, two of whom where children and the other a senior citizen. The two children, ages five and seven were able to escape, however the senior citizen did not. Tragically, a seventy-eight-year-old female succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Both children sustained injuries consistent with smoke inhalation and remain in an out-of-town hospital at this time. They are both listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Detectives assigned to the 3 District Criminal Investigative Branch as well as detectives assigned to the Forensic Services Unit are working in conjunction with the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal who is investigating the cause of the fire and the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario who is investigating the cause of death.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1008980.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Incident #23-13809