A fire on Playfair Drive on Christmas Eve has brought about its second fatality as a man faces charges of second-degree murder and arson.
The highrise fire on the second floor of 1695 Playfair Drive -- in the Pleasant Park area -- had already claimed the life of a 57-year-old female, whose name has not been released by police. The second victim had been in critical condition at the Ottawa Hospital.
Several people were treated for smoke inhalation due to the four-alarm fire, which broke out around 4:30 a.m. Media reports say some residents were briefly trapped by flames.
Police say they are continuing to probe the cause, but have charged Ali Issaky, 23, with one count of second-degree murder and one count of arson with disregard for human life.
Anyone with information should contact Ottawa police at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS).
