Two men burned while working in Ottawa apartment building

Ottawa firefighters at the scene of a high-rise building where two workers were burned while working on an electrical panel. Oct. 30, 2024. (Brad Quinn/CTV News Ottawa)

Two men are being treated for burns after being injured while working at an apartment building in Ottawa's Alta Vista neighbourhood.

Emergency crews responded to a call at an apartment building on Playfair Drive, near Kilborn Avenue, just after 12 p.m.

An Ottawa paramedic spokesperson tells CTV News Ottawa the two men were working on an electrical panel when it started to arc. The two men suffered burns.

Firefighters brought the injured workers down to the lobby. Both men were transported to hospital in serious but stable condition.

The Ministry of Labour is investigating.

Ottawa Fire Services says the fire was on the fifth floor and was quickly brought under control, but it created a significant amount of smoke that needed to be ventilated.

Power was turned off for residents living on floors one through six, and more than 90 people may be displaced until power is restored. None of the residents of the building were reported hurt.

A reunification centre has been set up at St. Laurent Community Centre for anyone who has been displaced by the fire.