American neuroscientist who loved Montreal another presumed victim of deadly blaze

A 31-year-old neuroscientist from San Diego, who came to Montreal for a conference, is another presumed victim of a deadly fire in Old Montreal.

Dr. An Wu is believed to be one of at least seven victims after a fire ripped through the historic building on Thursday.

The body of one woman was recovered, but she has not been identified. Six other people remain missing.

At the site of the tragedy for the second day in a row, her friend Yukun Zeng, who flew in from the U.S., said An was in the city for a few extra days after the conference.

“She loved the city,” he said. “I hope the city also treated her well. I’m sure she’s not alone. There are many tourists.”

Dr. An Wu, a presumed victim of the Old Montreal fire. (Credit: Yukun Zeng/provided)

Zeng says little information has been shared with him

“When I’m on site, I can totally visualize what’s really happening, it’s so heartbreaking,” he said. “And I’m here. I can try to make some conjecture on how they are going to do the work. Yes. But I also need more information.”

RELATED:

• Search continues to locate six still missing from Old Montreal fire
• Loved ones of those renting Airbnbs in building ravaged by fatal fire searching for answers
• One dead, 6 missing as police search for victims of fire in Old Montreal

Zeng’s parents are from China and plan to come to Montreal.

“Both parents will come,” he said. “And I hope when they come they can have a better treatment. Better treatment – I do not mean put in a hotel or something – I mean more information.”

Dr. An Wu, a presumed victim of the Old Montreal fire. (Credit: Yukun Zeng/provided)

# Chinese scholar # Old Montreal fire
A large fire broke out in a historical building in Old Port District of Montreal, Canada at 5:45 am on Thursday. 6 people remain missing, among which is a promising young Chinese scholar, Dr. An Wu, who came to Montreal for a conference.

— An Wu (@SearchForAnWu) March 20, 2023

Some of Wu’s friends and family set up a search account on Twitter to raise awareness and track news, but they want to see more transparency on the ground

“I do believe the whole investigation should be interactive more,” said Zeng. “Yeah. They also need a lot more help. For example, I’m here. Yeah, I mean, An was actually my girlfriend. We stayed seven years together, so I know a lot of information, but in order to interact more effectively, I also need a little bit more on how do you investigate, how much they know? Yeah, but no, they never tell me anything like this.

“They’re not just numbers, they’re concrete persons.”

Yukun Zeng at the scene of the Old Montreal fire on March 21, 2023. (Credit: CityNews/Alyssia Rubertucci)

Eighteen-year-old Charlie Lacroix, who lived in Terrebonne, Que., is another presumed victim of the fire.

A recovery team worked to enter the charred shell of the building on Tuesday afternoon.

The fire department revealed they started a search from above the building with the help of a crane.

Rescue teams haven’t been able to physically enter for fear of collapse, making it more complex and longer for the discovery and identification of victims.

“For the public and especially for the families, they will feel that this process is long and every minute is unbearable for them,” said Insp. David Shane.