Woman dies after fire rages in Anjou apartment building

A 78-year-old woman has died and a 79-year-old man is in critical condition after suffering serious burns in a large fire at an apartment building in the borough of Anjou. 

More than 100 Montreal firefighters in nearly 50 trucks responded to the fire, which began in the three-storey residential building on Place D'Antioche, near Saint-Zotique Street East, at around 10 a.m. on Tuesday. 

Three people were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, according to the Urgences-santé ambulance service, in addition to the man and woman in their seventies who were treated for burns. Montreal police said the woman later died.

One firefighter was also being treated for smoke inhalation. 

Six Urgences-santé ambulances, two paramedic supervisors and a support vehicle were also called to the scene. 

The Montreal police arson squad is investigating the cause of the fire. The Red Cross was also on site.

The extent of the damage is unclear but the fire is estimated to have spread among 20 or so units in the building. 

WATCH | A look at the scene: 

Anjou 5-alarm apartment fire that sent 5 to hospital: What we know so far

3 days ago

Duration 1:09

More than 100 firefighters have managed to contain the blaze that began Tuesday morning, and Montreal police say the investigation has been transferred to the arson squad.