Old Montreal fire that killed seven people was criminal, accelerants found: police confirm

Police say a fire last March that killed seven people in a heritage building here in Old Montreal has turned into a criminal investigation. They confirm that traces of accelerants were found at the site, which they say can help explain why the flames spread so quickly.

Montreal police (SPVM) made the announcement at a press conference Monday afternoon.

The fire happened on March 16 in the building on Place D’Youville.

“Since the tragedy, all the SPVM efforts have been focused on finding the cause and the circumstances surrounding the fire,” said spokesperson, David Shane. “Today, following several analysis results collected, the SPVM’s Arson and Explosives Unit is able to confirm that the accidental cause has now been ruled out.

“Our investigators have identified an area where the fire started, and I can can confirm that traces of accelerant were found, which may help explain the speed at which the blaze spread.”

The Montreal police’s major crimes and arson units have taken over the investigation.

“The investigation is continuing, in order to get to the bottom of this tragedy,” said Shane.

Shane said the coroner’s investigation aimed at shedding light on what went wrong has been put on hold until the end of the criminal investigation or possibly the eventual judicial process if criminal charges are laid.

Most of the victims were staying at Airbnbs operating illegally in the building.

Twenty-two people were in the building at the time of the fire, nine were injured and seven were killed.

• 18-year-old Charlie Lacroix
• 18-year-old Walid Belkahla
• 31-year-old An Wu
• 31-year-old Dania Zafar
• 32-year-old Saniya Khan
• 35-year-old Nathan Sears
• 76-year-old Camille Maheux

Old Montreal Fire victims. From left to Right: (Top row) An Wu, Charlie Lacroix, Camille Maheux, Nathan Sears. (Bottom row) Dania Zafar, Walid Belkahla, Saniya Khan.

READ: Old Montreal fire: the stories of seven victims

The SPVM is asking for the public’s cooperation and invites anyone with information to contact 911 or their local police station. They can also contact Info-Crime Montréal anonymously and confidentially at 514 393-1133, or via the reporting form available on infocrimemontreal.ca.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to answer the questions left unanswered, and we are again and again all committed to the end,” said Shane.