A man who plunged to his death following an overnight apartment fire in Vancouver's West End was likely disoriented, fire officials say.
The unidentified victim died from his injuries after falling from a sixth floor balcony during a blaze at a high-rise at 1021 Harwood Street late Wednesday night.
Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services Captain Gabe Roder said investigators believe the man became confused after waking up to fire in his suite.
"He may have been somewhat disorientated when he was trying to escape, which may have caused him to tragically go over the balcony."
Fifth floor resident Paul Karston called 911 after hearing something fall from the balcony above him around 11:45 p.m.
"I noticed there was smoke, and then I looked out and noticed there was someone down on the ground below," he told CTV News.
Resident Kara Sergeant evacuated the building after hearing the fire alarm, coming outside to see a man lying in the driveway to the parking garage.
He died at the scene.
"It was pretty intense," she said.
The Vancouver Fire Department and Vancouver police investigators are now trying to determine the cause of the fire. Damage was contained to one unit and no one else was hurt. It is not being considered suspicious.
The victim, a man in his mid-30's, has not been identified.
