MONTREAL

Death toll in Quebec seniors' home fire rises to 24, eight still missing

The Canadian Press Published Friday, January 31, 2014 5:43PM EST

Emergency workers continue the search for victims Saturday, January 25, 2014 in L'Isle-Verte, Que. at the scene of a fatal fire at a seniors residence. Quebec provincial police say 21 people are now confirmed dead in a fire that ripped through a seniors' home last week.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Text:

L'ISLE-VERTE, Que. -- Quebec provincial police said Friday that 24 people have been confirmed dead in a fire that ripped through a seniors' home last week.

Another eight people were still listed as officially missing Friday following the early morning blaze at the Residence du Havre in L'Isle-Verte on Jan. 23.

Eight of the 24 dead have been officially identified by Quebec coroner's officials.

Quebec provincial police said on their Facebook page they were working on a part of the seniors' residence that could be where the fire began.

A commemorative ceremony will be held in L'Isle-Verte on Saturday morning.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston are among those set to attend the event.