Nearly three years after a tragic fire claimed seven lives in a historic building in Old Montreal, the owner, Émile Benamor, has been arrested. The incident occurred on March 16, 2023, at a property located in Place d’Youville. Montreal police apprehended Benamor on October 18, 2023, as he was inspecting his other properties in the area.
Émile Benamor’s Charges
Émile Haim Benamor, a 63-year-old controversial lawyer and real estate investor, faces serious allegations. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for the deaths of:
- Nathan Sears
- Camille Maheux
- Charlie Lacroix
- Walid Belkahla
- Dania Zafar
- Saniya Khan
- An Wu
In addition to these charges, he is also accused of causing bodily harm to eight other individuals through criminal negligence.
Details of the Incident
At the time of the fire, 22 people were inside the building. Six managed to escape unharmed, while nine others required hospitalization. Tragically, seven individuals lost their lives. Some of the apartments in the building were being rented through short-term rental platform Airbnb, with at least one of the units lacking windows.
Emergency Response
During the fire, Charlie Lacroix and Walid Belkahla, both 18 years old, called 911 for help, stating, “Come get us, we can’t get out.” Their distress call underscores the chaos and danger present during the incident.
Legal Developments
Benamor is expected to appear in Montreal’s court shortly. His previous assertions of wanting to cooperate with law enforcement will now be tested in light of these charges.
Previous Violations
Investigations revealed that Benamor had received multiple violations over the past 14 years. These included issues relating to:
- Inaccessible emergency exits
- Lack of smoke detectors
- Missing fire doors
Following the fire, it was reported that Benamor claimed to have undertaken measures to address these safety concerns. He consistently stated his commitment to inspect his properties daily to ensure tenant safety.
Investigation Status
The investigation into the fire’s origins indicated potential criminal intent, with a suspect named Denis Bégin present at the scene, who claimed to know how the fire started. As of now, he has not been charged.
This tragic event continues to unfold, raising questions about building safety regulations and the responsibilities of property owners in Montreal.
