Montreal Owner Charged in 2023 Deadly Fire

Montreal police arrested the owner of a historic building in Old Montreal on Wednesday, charging him with manslaughter and criminal negligence in connection with a deadly fire that killed seven people three years earlier. Emile Benamor, 63, faces seven counts of involuntary manslaughter and eight counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, authorities announced at a news conference.

The charges stem from a blaze that tore through the 1890 heritage property at the corner of Du Port Street and Place d'Youville on March 16, 2023. At the time, 22 people were inside the building, including tourists and residents. Seven died, nine suffered injuries, and six escaped unharmed. Six of the victims had been staying in illegal short-term rental units, such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb, which violated city regulations.

Montreal Police Chief Inspector David Shane emphasized that the allegations against Benamor focus on the condition and management of the property, not on igniting the fire. "We're not accusing him of having started the fire," Shane said. He added that investigators do not believe Benamor directed anyone else to set the blaze. The building had a history of...