RCMP are investigating racist graffiti at the site of the burned-out Bashaw Motor Inn.
Police couldn’t say whether there was any connection between the graffiti that contained a “racial slur” and the fire that destroyed the motel early Sunday morning, that killed one person and badly injured several members of the Tiwana family, who owned and lived at the inn.
“There is still no information at this time to indicate that the mischief to property and the motel fire are related in any way,” said police in a news release.
Firefighters were called to the hotel early on Sunday morning with reports of a large explosion and fire.
Bashaw’s volunteer firefighters were supported by firefighters from Maskwacis and Mirror as well as police and EMS.
The RCMP is considering the fire a crime scene and the Major Crimes Unit and other support services have been brought to the site to assist in the investigation.
Police are asking that anyone with information about the graffiti or the fire call Bashaw RCMP at 780-372-3793 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.