A chilling chapter in Montreal’s history took a dramatic turn Wednesday with the arrest of Emile Benamor, the owner of the Old Montreal building consumed by a devastating fire in March 2023. He now faces seven counts of manslaughter and eight charges of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, a consequence of a tragedy that claimed seven lives and injured nine others.
The fire erupted in the early hours of March 16th, trapping 22 people within the historic structure. Many were unaware they were staying in illegal Airbnb rentals, a detail that would soon become central to the investigation. The scene was one of chaos and heartbreak, as first responders battled the blaze and desperately worked to rescue those inside.
For three years, families have waited for answers, grappling with unimaginable loss. Wednesday’s announcement offered a measure of accountability, though the pain remains raw. Investigators meticulously pieced together the events leading up to the fire, focusing on years of safety violation reports filed against Benamor’s building – reports detailing blocked fire exits and even units with no windows at all.
Police clarified that Benamor’s arrest stems from the building’s condition and its direct impact on the fire’s spread and the resulting fatalities. Inspector David Shane emphasized this wasn’t about igniting the blaze, but about a profound failure to maintain a safe environment for tenants and guests. A separate investigation into the arson itself remains active.
The victims – Nathan Sears, An Wu, Dania Zafar, Saniya Khan, Charlie Lacroix, Walid Belkahla, and Camille Maheux – represented a diverse group, from visiting academics to young tourists and a celebrated local photographer. Their lives were tragically cut short, leaving behind a void that can never be filled.
Families were informed of the arrest before the public announcement, a gesture of respect during an agonizing time. Dania Zafar’s father expressed gratitude for the police’s efforts, but underscored that the core question – who started the fire and why – remains unanswered. He described the current justice as “partial,” acknowledging the negligence appeared evident from the start.
Legal representatives for the families, involved in a multi-million-dollar civil suit against Benamor and the City of Montreal, echoed this sentiment. While not alleging intentional malice, they stressed Benamor’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of those renting his properties. The obligation, they argued, is paramount when welcoming visitors from around the world.
This isn’t an isolated incident in Benamor’s history. Subsequent inspections revealed similar safety deficiencies in other properties he owned, including buildings lacking fire alarms and adequate exits. A tragic fire in October 2024, claiming the lives of a mother and daughter in another of his buildings, further highlighted a pattern of neglect, though he was cleared of negligence in that case.
In 2025, Benamor was found guilty of failing to maintain functional emergency exits in a Notre-Dame-de-Grâce property, a conviction that underscored his disregard for basic safety regulations. The evidence leading to the manslaughter charges, police revealed, became clear through witness testimonies, photographs, and a painstaking reconstruction of the events.
Investigators, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice and empathy for the grieving families, spent years building a “bulletproof” case. Inspector Shane expressed immense pride in their dedication, acknowledging the emotional toll of each passing anniversary and the unwavering commitment to finding answers. The investigation continues, seeking to bring complete closure to a community forever scarred by this tragedy.
