Toronto dive bar suffers serious fire damage in alleged Molotov cocktail attack
One man is in custody after an alleged Molotov cocktail attack that caused severe damage to a dive bar in Mimico.
Toronto Police and fire crews responded to a call before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, with a report of a building on fire at Royal York Road and Newcastle Street, and that officers had placed a man in custody on the scene.
FIRE:(UPDATE)
— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) August 2, 2023
Royal York Rd & Newcastle St
ROAD CLOSURES
- S/B traffic on Royal York Rd @ Simpson Ave
- expect delays in the area#GO1798535
^sc
There are unconfirmed reports that the fire at local bar Colins Dugout was the result of a Molotov cocktail attack.
Pre-arrival footage from todays fire on Royal York for the @Toronto_Fire and @TPFFA #Toronto #torontofire https://t.co/ityIkvFzR6 pic.twitter.com/PtReVJDS6l
— Kyle.Taylor (@livingbyyyz) August 3, 2023
Photos of the fire's aftermath depict severe damage to the building, its entire ground floor visibly burned out. The main floor of the building was almost fully consumed by the fire, while the upper floor reportedly suffered minor smoke damage.
— rate limited shawty (@toymachinesh) August 2, 2023
A touching photo was captured by a passerby at the scene of the fire, showing a firefighter comforting a grey cat. It is not known if the cat was rescued from the blaze, however, the poignant image is a reminder of the remarkable physical and mental challenges firefighters face on a daily basis.
@Toronto_Fire I caught this shot today from the fire at Royal York and Newcastle. A picture worth a thousand words. What you brave men and woman do for the residents of this city is remarkable. To this brave man, and all of you Thank you! You're all loved and appreciated❤️ pic.twitter.com/a3DY4d2BDy
— Chris M (@ChrisM40592525) August 3, 2023
Likely based on eyewitness reports of a Molotov cocktail being thrown into the establishment, police and fire crews are investigating this as a criminal incident.
