5 remain missing as rescuers continue search through wreckage of Old Montreal fire
CTV
The search for victims continues in Old Montreal Wednesday, nearly a week after a major fire left at least two dead and five missing. Rescuers are slowly but surely combing through the historic building, which contained multiple illegal Airbnb units at the time of the fire.
The search for victims continues in Old Montreal Wednesday, nearly a week after a major fire left at least two dead and five missing.
Rescuers are slowly but surely combing through the historic building, which contained multiple illegal Airbnb units at the time of the fire.
Speaking at an early morning press briefing, officials reiterated that the building's current state makes it unsafe for rescuers to enter on foot.
That's why technicians will focus Wednesday on removing debris that poses a "secondary collapse risk," including two chimneys, explained fire operations chief Martin Guilbault.
So far, strategic dismantling, crane exploration and camera probing have allowed investigators to peer under the third floor; but what lies below is harder to uncover.
"Some parts of the buildings are more collapsed than the others," Guilbault added.
The first victim discovered, a woman, was extracted earlier this week. A second victim was removed around 5:25 on Tuesday. Officials would not confirm their sex.
