A first victim of the fire in the building on Place d’Youville, in Old Montreal, was formally identified by the authorities on Wednesday. This is Camille Maheux, a 76-year-old photographer who has lived in the building for thirty years.
This was confirmed by Inspector David Shane, spokesperson for the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), during a brief press briefing held at the end of the afternoon in front of the building. burned, where the search for victims is still ongoing.
The body of Ms. Maheux, who had been missing for several days, had been found by the emergency services last Sunday, in the rubble of the building. She is now officially the first known victim of this tragedy.
His identification was confirmed by the Laboratory of Forensic Science and Forensic Medicine, in collaboration with coroner Me Géhane Kamel. At the end of the day, the balance sheet was still two dead and five people missing following this major fire.
A second body was located and then extricated from the building around 5 p.m. Tuesday. However, this victim has not yet been identified.
“The victim’s family has been notified by investigators. We are wholeheartedly with you,” insisted Mr. Shane, indicating that another press briefing should be held by the SPVM at the beginning of the day, Thursday, in order to make known new details, if there are any. place.
At this time, Montreal police say they will not provide further details on the specific circumstances that led to Ms. Maheux’s whereabouts, “out of respect for her loved ones.” Typically, positive identification of a victim, however, requires “two factors: either DNA or a dental chart,” Detective Shane explained.
Going forward, he said, “every day will be a new challenge.” “As we progress, there will be easier days and more difficult days. […] We expect everything in this investigation. »
While early research has focused on “more easily accessible” areas of the building, excavations should soon move to the lower floors. “We’re going to have to use more and more tools to get to those floors. We will progress as we go, depending on the risk of collapse,” insisted Mr. Shane, recalling that the teams are already busy “removing pieces of debris” to progress further.
“[We will stay] as long as it takes,” concluded Mr. Shane, reiterating his sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Camille Maheux.
