2 back-to-back cases of suspected arson in Montreal's West Island overnight

Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating two cases of suspected arson that occurred within hours of each other Sunday morning.

The first incident involved a tractor unit business in Dorval in the West Island. Emergency services were called to an industrial parking lot on André Avenue, neat Hymus Boulevard, around 1:30 a.m.

"When police arrived on the scene, firefighters were already working to control the flames. There are about ten tractor units that have been hit and are considered a total loss," said SPVM spokesperson Véronique Dubuc.

No one was injured. The investigation has been transferred to the SPVM's arson unit. No arrests have been made.

"It was also mentioned to 911 that suspects were observed shortly before the fire started," said Dubuc.

“These are people’s livelihoods. This is how they put food on the table for the families,” said Erica Sendel, who works nearby, and has been in the transportation industry for more than 18 years.

She was one of the people who stopped by the scene of the fire Sunday to take a look at the wreckage.

“I don’t know what to think,” she said. “I think it’s actually disgusting.”

Montreal police spokesperson Caroline Chevrefils told CTV Sunday morning officers were searching for security footage and planned to meet with the owner of the company in charge of the trucks.

She said police would ask him “if he has any history, or problems with anybody.”

Sendel said the damage looked expensive.

“We could talk in the hundreds of thousands of dollars,” she said. “There are huge deductibles on these [trucks].” 

SECOND ARSON HOURS LATER

Around 4:00 a.m., another 911 call reported an explosion followed by a fire in the driveway of a home on Antoine-Faucon Street, near Sheinfeld Street, this time in the Pierrefonds-Roxboro area on Montreal's West Island.

"When the police arrived, the firefighters were already present. A gas can was found near a car," said Dubuc.

"There are no injuries in this event and no suspects. The damage to the vehicle is significant."

The investigation was also handed over to the SPVM arson squad.  

-- Published with files from The Canadian Press