Public inquiry to investigate fatal Old Montreal fire that claimed lives of two tourists
There will be a public inquiry into last Friday's fire in Old Montreal after two French tourists were killed.
Quebec's Public Security Minister François Bonnardel requested the inquiry on Tuesday.
Gehane Kamel will oversee the inquiry, the same coroner assigned to investigate a March 2023 fire in Old Montreal that killed seven people.
The chief coroner, Reno Bernier, said he wants Kamel to investigate the two fires because the circumstances are similar, and they share the same owners.
Both buildings were very old and had a history of fire code violations. They were also both used for short-term rentals for tourists.
The mayor of Montreal, Valerie Plante, praised the decision on social media.
"The City of Montreal and its services are cooperating fully with the public inquest on the fire in Old Montreal that sadly led to two deaths. Everything must be done to shed full light on this tragedy."
Police identified the victims as Léonor Geraudie, 43, and seven-year-old Vérane Reynaud Geraudie. Their bodies were removed from the scene the evening of the fire, and Montreal police (SPVM) are investigating the origins of the blaze, which is classified as "suspicious."
On Tuesday, authorities confirmed there were no additional victims.
There were 25 people inside the building at the time of the fire, including the two victims. Of the 23 who made it out, two sustained minor injuries and one person remains hospitalized.
Montreal police declined to comment on how the fire started or their search for suspects.
The public inquiry will only begin once potential criminal trials are over. Montreal police have yet to arrest a suspected arsonist who was seen smashing the door of the building Friday just before the flames started.
An arsonist also set last year's deadly fire. The police have narrowed down their search to a single suspect, according to reports, and the case is now in the hands of the prosecution.
However, the official opposition at city hall, Ensemble Montreal, said it hopes that the inquiry will be broad and should look beyond just the fires and building code issues.
-With files from the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump says he 'shouldn't have left' the White House as he closes campaign with increasingly dark message
Donald Trump, who said in Pennsylvania on Sunday that he regrets leaving the White House in 2021, is ending the 2024 campaign the way he began it – dishing out a stew of violent, disparaging rhetoric and repeated warnings that he will not accept defeat if it comes.
Guelph, Ont. woman says she was pushed to homelessness and 'thrown on the street'
For people living on the fringe of society, the line between the safety and security of a home and homelessness is very thin.
James Van Der Beek says he has colorectal cancer
The 'Dawson’s Creek' alum told People magazine in a statement published Sunday that he has colorectal cancer.
Where should Canada look to improve its housing situation? The answer may shock you
Housing experts argue widespread adoption of government-supported affordable housing, the growth of alternative models like co-operatives and co-housing, and the increased use of advanced building techniques could all play a role in improving Canada's housing system.
No strike notice so far as talks continue between Canada Post and workers' union
Canada Post says talks are continuing with the union that represents postal workers and neither side has given notice of a work stoppage.
U.K. prosecutors are mulling whether to charge Russell Brand over sex assault allegations
British prosecutors say they have been given a file of evidence from police about alleged sexual offenses by comedian Russell Brand and are considering whether to charge him.
Federal mediators on site for negotiations between B.C. port employer and union
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says federal mediators are standing by and ready to help hammer out a deal in order to avoid a labour disruption at ports across British Columbia.
Winnipeg transit union raises concerns over violence after bus driver has gun pointed at him
The executive vice-president of Winnipeg’s transit union is raising concerns over an increase in violent incidents on buses after an operator allegedly had a gun pointed at him early Friday morning in front of police headquarters.
Trump wants to narrow his deficit with women but he's not changing how he talks about them
Donald Trump's campaign has used sexist and crude language, expressing alarm at the idea of women voting differently than their partners.