The Ottawa Police Service says a child has died after falling from an apartment building window in Sandy Hill Monday evening.
The incident happened at around 6:45 p.m. in a building on Laurier Avenue East near Nicholas Street.
Ottawa paramedics said a boy younger than eight years old was found outside the building with injuries “consistent with a fall from a height.” He was treated at the scene and taken to hospital in critical condition.
“Despite valiant efforts from first responders and hospital staff, the child was later pronounced deceased at the hospital,” Ottawa police said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.
“Our hearts are with the child’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time. We also recognize the impact this incident has on first responders and all those affected.”
Residents of the apartment building say they received notices that property management company Homestead would be visiting each apartment to inspect and secure the windows.
Homestead Land Holdings Limited says in a statement to CTV News that it is cooperating with authorities but did not comment further.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that the child injured in last evening’s incident has passed away. Our hearts go out to the child’s family and loved ones, and to all those affected by this tragic loss. We are cooperating with the appropriate authorities, and it would be inappropriate to comment further while details are still being confirmed,” the emailed statement said.
Police tape next to the building marks the location where the child fell. Residents recalled a chaotic scene when first responders arrived.
“I saw a bunch of emergency vehicles pull up. Police cars, firetrucks, paramedics and I saw the fire truck go in the back with the ladder, and they were all rushing to where the garage area was,” said building resident Christopher Nikas.
Police have not revealed the height from which the child fell.
“It’s not something that you want to happen in your community. This is our village. We care for one another. We take care of one another and this to happen to a child, it’s horrible,” said resident Chantal St-Onge.
Police say they do not consider the incident suspicious and do not anticipate making any arrests.
The matter remains under investigation.
With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Dylan Dyson
