2 dead, 1 in critical condition as major fire burns in Old Montreal

A significant fire in Old Montreal has claimed the lives of two individuals and left one person in critical condition, according to Radio-Canada.

Montreal police have launched an investigation into the fire, which started around 2 a.m. in a three-storey building located at the intersection of Notre-Dame and Bonsecours streets. Authorities suspect the fire may be of suspicious origin.

Jonathan Michaud of the Montreal fire department reported that the blaze began on the main floor, where a restaurant is situated, and spread rapidly. About 125 firefighters and 50 fire trucks were deployed to the scene to combat the flames.

Municipal tax records show that the building's owner is Émile-Haim Benamor, who also owned the Place D'Youville building in Old Montreal, where seven people tragically died in a fire in March 2023. The restaurant on the building's main floor is owned by someone else.

In 2021, Benamor had applied for a $10,000 permit to construct a "20-room hotel" within the building, according to property records. The second and third floors are home to a hostel called Le 402. Online photos of the hostel feature exposed brick walls, a shared lounge, and rooms with city views. However, some reviews describe the accommodations as cramped and rundown, with complaints about windowless rooms or windows that cannot be opened.

CBC reached out to Benamor’s lawyer, who declined to comment on the situation.

Urgences-santé confirmed that one man was transported to the hospital with burns and was later reported by police to be in critical condition. Two other individuals were treated at the scene for shock.

Around 40 residents of a neighboring building were evacuated and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.