One woman is dead after a house fire on the South Shore.

The fire began in an attached duplex at the corner of Ecossais Rd. and Laiterie Rd. in Beauharnois around midnight.

The cause of the fire is unknown, but it appears the fire began at the rear of the house, possibly on the back balcony, before spreading to the walls and roof

By the time the flames were put out the floor of the balcony was gone except for some supporting beams.

A 72-year-old woman was found inside the house and rushed to hospital where she died of her injuries.

Police say the woman's 75-year-old husband was able to get out safely, but was taken to hospital and treated for shock.

The three other apartments in the shared building had to be evacuated, with the Red Cross providing temporary shelter.

Explosions and fire in Terrebonne

Meanwhile a suspicious fire broke out overnight north of Montreal in Terrebonne.

The fire on Patrick St. destroyed one house and damaged a neighbouring residence.

Witnesses say they were woken up at 3:30 a.m. by a pair of explosions.

Police say one man is missing.