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Two people were pronounced dead at the scene of a fire in a downtown Gatineau, Que., highrise early Wednesday morning in what police are calling a suspected murder-suicide.
Firefighters told Radio-Canada they were called to the 16-storey building near the north end of rue Laurier around 2 a.m. About 40 firefighters were eventually needed for their response.
Gatineau police said the first call to the building was for a welfare check. Officers found what police described as a small fire in a unit along with two unconscious people.
The pair were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
In a French-language update Wednesday afternoon, Gatineau police said a 34-year-old man allegedly murdered his 30-year-old partner before taking his own life in their apartment.
The deaths were “consistent with a murder-suicide,” the statement said.
Police have not released any further information about the victims. The investigation continues, they said.
The building had to be evacuated after the initial call, firefighters said.
As of Wednesday morning about 20 people hadn’t yet been able to return home, according to police.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here’s where to look for help:
If you’re worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them about it, says the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Here are some warning signs:
Suicidal thoughts.Substance use.Purposelessness.Anxiety.Feeling trapped.Hopelessness and helplessness.Withdrawal.Anger.Recklessness.Mood changes.