Six people are still missing after a fire in Old Montreal that killed at least one person. The Montreal police and fire department have confirmed that the missing individuals come from various locations in Quebec, Ontario, and the US. The victims are probably still in the rubble, and the rescue operation is slow-going due to safety hazards. The building was found to have been housing unauthorized Airbnb units, which has made it difficult for officials to determine who was inside the building at the time of the fire. Two of the nine people transported to hospital last week remain in the burn unit at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante is scheduled to speak at the site of the fire today. The dismantling of the building’s second and third floors will begin on Monday.
Six People Still Missing After Old Montreal Fire
Police and fire services have given an update on last week’s fire in Old Montreal that killed at least one person and left six others missing. The building began to be partially dismantled over the weekend, and officials are still looking for victims. At a press conference on Monday, a spokesperson for the Montreal police and fire department said that the six people missing come from various locations in Quebec, Ontario, and the US. The victims are likely still in the rubble, according to SPVM inspector David Shane.
One body was extracted from the building on Sunday evening, although the victim’s identity has not been confirmed. Officials revealed that the victim was a woman. Police have also confirmed that two of the nine people transported to hospital last week remain in the burn unit at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. Dismantlement of the building’s second and third floors will begin on Monday, but the operation is slow-going due to safety hazards.
The building was found to have been housing unauthorized Airbnb units, which has made it difficult for officials to determine who was inside the building at the time of the fire. Officials initially believed only one person was missing, but they later learned that several units in the building were short-term rentals, making occupants difficult to track. Airbnbs are illegal in the area where the building is located. A lawyer for the building’s owner said on Sunday that the Airbnbs in the building were being operated by tenants, and steps had been taken to stop the practice.
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante is scheduled to speak at the site of the fire today at 11:30 a.m. Our hearts go out to the families, and the rescue operation will continue for many days.
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