Firefighter and resident sent to hospital and multiple others displaced following large fire in downtown St. John’s early Sunday morning

One firefighter and a resident was sent to hospital and multiple people were displaced following a large residential structure fire in downtown St. John’s early Sunday morning.

Firefighters responded to the call at around 2:55 a.m. on Sunday morning reporting that a building located on Duckworth Street behind the Sheraton Hotel was on fire with multiple people trapped in the building.

When firefighters arrived on scene heavy smoke was showing from the parking garage area and multiple people were seen on there balconies waving for help, firefighters used a aerial truck to rescue four residents from different apartments in the building.

One lady was sent to hospital after being found unconscious in the hallway of the building it is unknown what her condition is at this time or the total number of people that were sent to hospital.

The fire reportedly originated in the parking garage catching multiple vehicles on fire and putting smoke throughout the building. The parking garage had extensive damage.

As crews were working on the fire a mayday was called by firefighters. One firefighter had fallen through stairs falling approximately 15 feet, he was sent to hospital with injuries consistent with a fall.

Roads in the area were closed as firefighters battled the blaze. It is unknown what caused the fire and it is under investigation.