One person is critically injured in a major fire in Old Montreal, and police are investigating
As of 7 a.m., the firefighting operation was still ongoing, with smoke continuing to rise from the scene.
A significant fire erupted on Friday morning in a historic building in Old Montreal, located on Notre-Dame Street East near Bonsecours, leading to the deployment of 125 firefighters.
One individual is in critical condition, and two others have sustained injuries. Around 40 people were evacuated, but it remains unclear whether everyone made it out safely.
As of 9 a.m., firefighters had yet to gain entry into the building.
The fire is suspected to have originated on the building’s first floor. While the exact cause is unknown, the case has been handed over to Montreal police (SPVM) for investigation.
A command post has been established, with authorities labeling the fire as "suspicious."
Officials reported that the fire began around 2:40 a.m. at 400 Notre-Dame Street East.
The three-story building housed a restaurant-bar on the ground floor, with the upper floors possibly serving as short-term rentals.
According to Montreal’s property assessment records, the building was constructed in 1923.
It is owned by Emile Benamor, who also owned a heritage building on Place D'Youville that was destroyed by fire in March 2023.
That incident, which claimed seven lives, is currently under criminal investigation.
As of 7 a.m., the firefighting operation was still ongoing, with smoke continuing to rise from the scene.
Several streets near Montreal City Hall have been closed by the SPVM to facilitate the work of firefighters, and the public is being urged to avoid the area.
Power outages may also occur in the surrounding vicinity.
