Tragedy struck in Kitimat on June 18 when a fire engulfed a top-floor apartment on 1567 Albatross Ave., resulting in the death of one individual, the RCMP have confirmed.

The incident, which Kitimat RCMP and Kitimat Fire and Ambulance Service responded to just after 2 a.m. on June 18, drew a swift response from first responders. Emergency crews remained on the scene throughout the night, extinguishing the flames and securing the area.

On June 18, crews were seen leaving the area with a body covered in a white tarp.

鈥淎rriving on the scene at 2:11 a.m., crews found a fully involved fire in one apartment with reports of one occupant unaccounted for. After a search of the apartment, one deceased occupant was located,鈥� Kitimat Fire and Ambulance Service Chief Trent Bossence. 鈥淥ur department is working closely with all other agencies to investigate the cause of the fire and we offer our condolences to the family and friends of the person who lost their life at this event.鈥�

An RCMP Fire investigator, the Regional Forensic Identification Service, the Regional General Investigation Section, the Kitimat Fire and Ambulance Service and the Office of the Fire Commission are assisting with the investigation, according to the RCMP.

The BC Coroners Service is also investigating this unexpected death.

The damage was contained to one unit and the other residents of the building have been evacuated.

鈥淥ur thoughts and condolences are with the family during this difficult time,鈥� says Kitimat RCMP Staff Sgt. Graham Morgan.