A fire at an apartment complex in Regina's south end has claimed two lives.
Fire crews found a basement apartment engulfed in flames when they arrived at the 24-unit complex at 127 Proctor Place at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
Two victims - a 55-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman - were taken to hospital. Both have succumbed to their injuries. The names of the victims have not been released.
Forty-eight residents were evacuated from the building and put on a bus to keep warm.
Fire officials say the blaze was sparked by improperly used extension cords.
"The smoke alarm was unplugged," said Regina Fire Marshall Albert Headrick. "If it was plugged in, this occurrence probably would not have materialized."
Headrick says apartment tenants will likely be able to return home later this afternoon.
