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 on Day 1: Begin deportation push, pardon Jan. 6 rioters and make his criminal cases vanish
Donald Trump has said he wouldn't be a dictator — 'except for Day 1.' According to his own statements, he's got a lot to do on that first day in the White House.
'I was called;' Murray Sinclair's life and legacy honoured at emotional memorial
Applause erupted over and over at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg Sunday as the son of Murray Sinclair, a former judge, senator and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into residential schools, spoke about his father.
Children's book by chef Jamie Oliver withdrawn after criticism from Indigenous Australians
A children's book written by British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has been withdrawn from sale after it was criticized for causing offense to Indigenous Australians.
Montreal dockworkers reject deal with lockout to begin
The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.
Man shot by police in Hamilton has died, victim did 'not appear' to fire a gun, says SIU
A man who was critically injured in a police-involved shooting in Hamilton late Sunday afternoon has died in hospital, says the province’s police watchdog.
Liberals to face third test in federal byelection in British Columbia next month
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.
Elon Musk exerts deepening influence on Donald Trump's presidential transition
Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club has been brimming in the last 48 hours with two kinds of people: those angling for a job in the president-elect’s incoming administration, and those trying to influence him into hiring their picks for the top spots.
25 monkeys recovered after dozens escape in South Carolina. Others 'jumping back and forth' near research facility
Tenty-five of the 43 monkeys bred for medical research that escaped a compound in South Carolina have been recovered, officials said Sunday.
Abuse, harassment and suicide: Report finds anti-Black racism exists at highest levels of federal government
A government-funded report released to CTV News highlights 'systemic racism' against dozens of Black executives within the federal public service, including allegations of abuse, violence and harassment that, in some instances, led to suicide.