Quebec’s public security minister will visit Old Montreal on Saturday to visit the scene of what police described as a “suspicious” fire that killed at least two people and injured two others.
The fire started at around 2:30 a.m. Friday on the ground floor of a three-storey building at the corner of Notre-Dame St. East and Bonsecours Street in the city’s historic district.
Minister François Bonnardel will meet with first responders at the scene and hold an afternoon news conference.
Montreal police confirmed Friday evening that two bodies were found in the rubble, but have not released their identities. The police investigation is ongoing.
The building is owned by Emile Benamor, who also owned another building in the same neighbourhood that burned down 18 months ago, killing seven people. Calls on Friday were directed to his lawyer, who has not responded to requests for comment.
This story is developing and will be updated.