MONTREAL – The owner of a historic Old Montreal building where a devastating fire killed seven people and injured nine others in March 2023 has been formally charged with multiple offenses, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn scrutiny over building safety, and oversight. Émile Benamor, 63, faces seven counts of involuntary manslaughter and eight counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
Benamor was arrested Wednesday morning and appeared in Montreal court later that day, according to reports. The charges come three years after the deadly blaze at the William-Watson-Ogilvie building on Place D’Youville, considered the deadliest fire in Montreal in the last 50 years.
While police had not previously suspected Benamor of directly causing the fire, investigators concluded there was criminal negligence involved, Montreal police Inspector-Chief David Shane said in a press conference. “The investigation, including testimony, led investigators to conclude that there was negligence at a level that warrants charges of involuntary manslaughter,” Shane explained.
The Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) authorized the 15 charges against Benamor after receiving a complete investigation file from the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) in October 2024. This marks the first time anyone has been formally accused in connection with the tragedy.
According to court documents, the victims of the fire were Nathan Sears, Camille Maheux, Charlie Lacroix, Walid Belkahla, Dania Zafar, Saniya Khan, and An Wu. Eight others were injured.
Benamor’s lawyer, Alexandre Bergevin, expressed surprise at the charges, noting they came three years after the incident. “It’s certainly a surprise, three years later,” Bergevin said, adding that his client is fully cooperating with the investigation. Benamor was released on a $10,000 bond with a $100,000 commitment.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about safety regulations and oversight in Montreal’s historic buildings. Reports following the fire revealed numerous safety deficiencies within the building that were the responsibility of the property owner.
Meanwhile, insurers representing Émile Benamor are seeking to force the sale of the fire-damaged building, according to a report from Le Journal de Montréal.
La Presse reports that friends and family of the victims expressed relief at the charges, with one friend of victim Camille Maheux stating, “Finally, something is happening.”
Benamor is described as a “hyperactive” investor and lawyer, according to 98.5 FM Montreal, and had been making rounds of his properties when he was arrested by the SPVM on Wednesday morning.
