Horrifying escape from blaze caught on camera

A desperate escape from a house fire in Winnipeg that killed two women was captured on camera. Jeff Keele reports.

It was a harrowing scene at the site of a fatal house fire in Winnipeg, as people desperately escaped the blaze.

Video obtained by CTV News shows someone trapped on the roof of the porch of the two storey-home on Agnes St.

The individual was unable to move because of raging flames. Another person, who appears to be naked, collapses in the snow.

Kevin LaPierre was walking by at the time of the fire.

“Come by, see the house is burning down, and oh my God,” said LaPierre.

Fire crews responded to the blaze on the 300 block of Agnes just before 10:00 a.m. Saturday.

“Pretty bad though, like that was a fierce fire going on there.”

Seven people were treated by paramedics. Five were sent to hospital, three in critical condition. While one was upgraded to stable, two people later died, an 18-year-old woman and a 48-year-old woman.

Flowers have been left at the site in memory of the 18-year-old.

Neighbour Samantha Nykoluk believes she saw the 18-year-old in a top-floor window.

“She was yelling, ‘Help me,’” said Nykoluk.

She said she provided jackets and clothing for many of the victims from the home, as many had little on, and said they’re now in a downtown hotel.

“I just got back from seeing them, they’re not doing too good. Sure, they’re in a hotel and they got a couple cheques, but what is that compared to losing everything?”

Winnipeg police say the fire is under investigation, and they’re working to determine whether arson is a factor.