The arson which left two dead in a heritage building in Old Montreal was brought under control on Saturday morning, announced the Montreal Fire Safety Service (SIM).
A large security perimeter was still in place on Saturday morning, blocking access to the damaged building.
The Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel, went to the scene of the tragedy early in the afternoon to address the media.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
The Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel (right)
Two remains were extricated from the rubble on Friday evening. The victims are said to be a mother and her daughter, barely 7 years old.
The fire broke out during the night from Thursday to Friday in a heritage building located at the intersection of Notre-Dame and Bonsecours streets. The building housed a café on the ground floor and a youth hostel on the upper floors, all of which were ravaged by the flames.
According to our information, the tragedy could be the most recent episode in a war between three criminal groups.
Surveillance camera footage shows a masked suspect dressed in black approaching the building just before the flames appeared. An incendiary device was allegedly used.
The blackened building is owned by Émile Benamor. The latter is also the owner of the building located on Place D’Youville which was ravaged by an arson killing seven people in March 2023.
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
The owner of the burned building, Émile Benamor
“It is with amazement that we learned of the tragic death of certain people or their disappearance,” reacted Mr. Benamor in a written statement on Saturday. “Any information that could allow the arrest of suspects or to understand the cause of this criminal act must be shared with the police authorities in order to avoid a repeat offense,” he continued.
The fire was brought under control between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., said SIM spokesperson George Bele. Saturday morning, around fifteen firefighters were still present at the scene of the fire.
“They are checking the entire burning building, and if ever there are small fires to put out, they will put them out, and they ensure the security of the premises,” said Mr. Bele.
With The Canadian Press