6 missing after Old Montreal fire 'probably still in the rubble': Police
Officials are still looking for victims after a fire ripped through a building in Old Montreal last week, killing at least one person.
At a press conference Monday morning, spokespersons for the Montreal police (SPVM) and Montreal fire department (SIM) said six people are still missing. They come from various locations in Quebec, Ontario and the U.S.
"These people still missing are probably still in the rubble, unfortunately," said SPVM inspector David Shane.
Rescuers extracted one body from the building around 6:45 p.m. on Sunday. Officials could not confirm the victim's identity Monday morning but revealed she was a woman.
Police 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.
Shane said the operation is relatively slow-going because of safety hazards.
"The work is hard and will continue for many days," he said.
"Our hearts go out to the families and we will never give up."
LISTEN ON CJAD 800 RADIO: How do firefighters tackle a fire like the one in Old Montreal?
Investigators survey the scene following a fire in Old Montreal, Sunday, March 19, 2023, that gutted a heritage building. Several people are still unaccounted for. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
UNAUTHORIZED AIRBNBS
In the wake of the fire on Thursday, officials initially believed only one person was missing -- but later learned that several units in the building were short-term rentals, or Airbnbs, making occupants difficult to track.
The city has since confirmed Airbnbs are illegal in the area where the building is located.
A lawyer for the building's owner said Sunday that Airbnbs in the building were being operated by tenants, adding that steps had been taken to stop the practice.
Speaking at another press conference Monday, Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante acknowledged the issue of illegal Airbnbs in the city.
She said part of the problem is a lack of inspectors, adding that an inspection into an illegal short-term rental is only triggered when a complaint is lodged.
The solution will require collaboration between Montreal, Quebec, and especially Airbnb, Plante said, claiming the latter need to do more to ensure its users comply with the law.
"To do more is definitely on the table," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Police in Paris detain a man wearing fake explosives vest at Iran's Consulate
A man wearing a fake explosive vest and making threats was detained Friday outside the Iranian Consulate in Paris after police locked down the area, authorities said. His motive was unclear.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.