Trapped grandparents die in north Edmonton apartment fire: ‘They were best friends’

A car crash into a north Edmonton apartment building on Monday night triggered an explosion and fire, killing an elderly couple who had been married for more than 60 years. Major Singh Bhandal, 85, and Surinderjit Kaur Bhandal, 82, were residents of the building at the corner of 132 Avenue and 82 Street.

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What happened Monday night was a complete tragedy.

The collision with the building struck a gas mainline, causing the explosion and fire that sent thick smoke billowing into the sky. The couple's grandson, Lali Toor, saw the smoke from several blocks away and felt compelled to go to the scene.

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I had a gut feeling something bad happened and I had to go right to the scene.

Upon arrival, Toor witnessed residents trapped on balconies. He identified his grandfather, Major Singh Bhandal, who had jumped from his balcony. First responders attempted CPR, but Bhandal died at the scene due to severe injuries from the fall. His wife, Surinderjit Kaur Bhandal, was trapped inside the building and her body was recovered the following day.

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It was just so devastating to see him afterwards, just identifying the body, and my grandmother never made it out.

Edmonton police confirmed the two deceased individuals were spouses. Another missing person initially unaccounted for was later located safe. Toor remembered his grandparents as independent and strong people who had lived in Canada for over 30 years. A memorial outside the damaged building includes a photo of the couple taken at Toor's wedding last year.

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My grandparents were very independent people. They lived by themselves here in Canada for over 30 years. I want people to remember them as very independent and very strong people.