North Vancouver apartment complex fire claims lives of mother and son

Narges Casnajad and her seven-year-old son Sepehr Casnajad who couldn’t escape the deadly fire.
Narges Casnajad and her seven-year-old son Sepehr who couldn’t escape the deadly fire.

AN early morning fire on Monday in the Lynn Valley area of North Vancouver has claimed two lives.

Narges Casnajad and her seven-year-old son Sepehr couldn’t escape the deadly fire.

The fire broke out at approximately 2:30 a.m. involving a two-story apartment complex in the 2000-block of Whiteley Court.

Photos: North Vancouver RCMP

The fire was fully involved when emergency services arrived on scene. District of North Vancouver Fire Department battled the fierce fire for several hours before police and fire personnel could safely enter the burned wooden structure.

The bodies of Narges Casnajad and her son Sepehrhe were recovered from the fire scene.

A full investigation of the fire is being conducted by the North Vancouver RCMP Arson Unit, District of North Vancouver Fire Department and the BC Coroners Service. There are approximately 12 other injured residents who have been taken to several hospitals in the Lower Mainland with various injuries.

The North Shore Emergency Management Office (NSEMO) was activated to help with the evacuated residents of the three neighbouring apartment buildings. Those evacuated have since been allowed to return to their residences. There is extensive damage to the 17 units of the fire-ravaged building. Approximately 70 residents have been permanently displaced from that apartment building, police said.