Fri Oct 04 22:12:00 UTC 2024: ## Deadly Fire in Old Montreal Raises Concerns About Building Safety
**Montreal, Quebec** – A major fire in Old Montreal early Friday morning has resulted in multiple fatalities, according to police. While the exact number of victims remains unknown, authorities confirmed that at least two people died in the blaze.
The fire, which broke out just before 2:40 am, originated on the ground floor of a three-story building housing a restaurant and a 19-room hostel. The fire quickly spread to the upper floors, injuring two people, one seriously. Several others managed to escape unharmed.
The building, located on Notre-Dame Street East, is owned by Emile Benamor, who was also the owner of a heritage building on Place D’Youville that caught fire in March 2023, resulting in seven deaths. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding building safety practices in Old Montreal.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante acknowledged the similarities between the two fires, highlighting the common ownership and ongoing criminal investigations. She emphasized the difference, however, in that the building on Notre-Dame Street had been inspected and found to be in compliance with fire codes following previous violations.
The fire department confirmed that in 2023, inspectors cited numerous fire code infractions, including the absence of a fire alarm system and smoke alarms. These were subsequently corrected, and the building was deemed safe.
Despite the building’s compliance with fire codes, the fire’s severity has prompted a lengthy investigation by Montreal police. Major crimes detectives and the arson squad are working to determine the cause of the fire, described as suspicious.
The hostel, known as Le 402, occupied the upper floors of the building and was rented out to a third-party operator. Reviews on booking.com highlighted complaints about the state of the units.
The fire department is facing criticism for the recurrence of incidents in the historic district. Officials acknowledged that the narrow streets and close proximity of buildings pose challenges in tackling fires.
Montreal police have set up a dedicated telephone number for families and relatives of victims seeking information: 514-280-1294. The investigation is ongoing, and the city has pledged full transparency in determining the cause of the fire and ensuring future safety in the area.
First Piper 