Three Years On, Families Still Seek Justice in Old Montreal Fire

Three years after a devastating fire ripped through an Old Montreal building, killing seven people, families are still grappling with grief and demanding answers. Zafar Mahmood, whose daughter Dania Zafar was among the victims, voiced his frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation, asking, “Where is the justice? Why has it taken so many days? They haven’t yet identified the proper person.”

The Deadly Fire and Initial Investigation

On March 16, 2023, a fire broke out in a heritage building in Old Montreal’s picturesque neighborhood. Dania Zafar, 31, and her childhood friend Saniya Khan, 31, were visiting Montreal and staying in the building, which housed several illegal short-term rentals. Six of the seven victims were residing in these unauthorized accommodations.

Authorities quickly launched a criminal investigation, noting the presence of traces of an accelerant at the scene, suggesting the fire may not have been accidental. However, as of March 18, 2026, no arrests have been made.

Frustration Mounts Among Families

The prolonged investigation has left families in a state of anguish and uncertainty. Mahmood expressed his dismay at the pace of the investigation, stating, “At first, (police) said it was supposed to be an accident. Then they said they found accelerant and it looks like a homicide case.” He emphasized the need for increased effort and resources to bring those responsible to justice.

The victims of the fire include Dania Zafar, Saniya Khan, Camille Maheux, 76, An Wu, 31, Nathan Sears, 35, Walid Belkahla, 18, and Charlie Lacroix, 18.

Potential Suspect Identified

Court documents related to an unrelated case have identified Denis Bégin as a potential suspect. Bégin is currently serving a life sentence for a 1993 murder. The documents, from Correctional Service Canada, indicate that Montreal police testimony placed Bégin in the vicinity of the building before and after the fire, captured on surveillance footage.

Bégin had escaped from a minimum-security federal prison in February 2019 and was apprehended in May 2023, shortly after the fire. However, police have not publicly named him as a suspect.

Legal Action and City Response

Mahmood has filed a lawsuit against the City of Montreal and the building’s owner, seeking accountability and answers. Several other lawsuits have been initiated by relatives of the victims and those injured in the fire.

The City of Montreal, through spokesperson Camille Bégin, declined to comment on the ongoing case due to the legal proceedings. However, the city stated it is “constantly reviewing and improving the practices of its fire prevention and response teams.”

A Daughter Remembered

Zafar Mahmood described his daughter, Dania Zafar, as intelligent, shy, and a passionate reader with a vast book collection. She had moved to Toronto from Pakistan to pursue a career in publishing and was in the process of becoming a Canadian citizen. She chose the Old Montreal building specifically because of its historical significance. Mahmood shared that Dania was planning a trip back to Pakistan before her untimely death, and her loss has profoundly impacted his life.

As the third anniversary of the fire passes, the families continue to wait for justice and closure, hoping for a resolution to this tragic case.