Update May 13th, 2014 - The woman airlifted to Toronto yesterday with third and forth degree burns has been identified as Diane Paquette. The condition of another woman who witnesses told us was administered CPR at the scene and transported to hospital is unknown at this time.
Fire officials say that their preliminary search of the fire site suggest that that the fire originated in an apartment on the main floor in the east section, then extended down the hallway west to the second floor and ventilated out a window.
There is severe heat and smoke damage in the main floor apartment and the hallway outside.
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Update May 12th, 2014 - Sources confirm that one of the victim with serious injuries, a woman who uses oxygen was transferred to Toronto with severe burns. We are withholding the name of this victim to allow family to be contacted.
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Update - Police have confirmed that two people were seriously injured. One is considered 'life-threatening'. A firefighter was also injured but those injuries were not related to fire suppression. They have also confirmed that the fire has been deemed suspicious.
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Fire crews and Emergency Services responded to a possible explosion and fire at an apartment in Hanmer on the corner Rita and Oscar at approximately 3:50pm the afternoon.
Witnesses say that at least three people have been transported to hospital by ambulance with serious burns and possibly other serious injuries.
Initial reports suggest that the explosion may have been caused by a faulty gas appliance or oxygen.
The Greater Sudbury Police Service and Greater Sudbury Fire Service are currently on the scene of a fire on Rita Street in Hanmer.
The street is closed at this time and the Greater Sudbury Police Service and Fire Services are requesting public assistance in avoiding this area due to the equipment and need to operate and investigate the scene in a safe manner.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.