Body found after fire at Kamloops restaurant

The Kamloops RCMP and B.C. Coroners Service is investigating after a body was found following a fire at a restaurant this morning.

Just after 7:30 a.m., Oct. 29, a Kamloops RCMP officer was patrolling in the 100-block of Palm Street when he saw smoke and fire coming from the rear of a closed restaurant.

Police officers attempted to extinguish the blaze, which was limited mostly to an attached outbuilding at the rear of the building, while awaiting the arrival of Kamloops Fire and Rescue firefighters.

Firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire, preventing further damage to the restaurant or any other adjacent buildings. While combing through the collapsed structure, the body of one person was discovered, according to the RCMP in a news release.

"We are working with the B.C. Coroners Service to identify the individual and the Kamloops RCMP Fire Investigator will be working with the RCMP Forensic Identification Service in an effort to establish the source and cause of the fire, which has yet to be determined," said Sgt. Janelle Shoihet, with the Kamloops RCMP.

Officers will remain in the area throughout the day today and into tomorrow, conducting video and witness canvassing.

The RCMP is asking anyone who was in the area between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. today or may have video surveillance which faces the rear or front of businesses in the 100-block of Palm Street to call 250-828-3000.

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