On Saturday afternoon, Montreal Police responded to an incident involving two young men, ages 17 and 18, who were critically injured after tampering with an electric circuit breaker in a vacant building. The police received calls around 5:20 p.m. reporting explosions from the structure located on Faillon Street in the Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension area. Upon arrival, officers found the two individuals with severe injuries, necessitating their immediate transport to a hospital for urgent medical attention.
The incident unfolded when the two boys allegedly broke into the vacant property with the intent to steal items inside. Witness reports indicated that the noise from the explosion was significant, prompting concern in the neighborhood. The police investigation revealed that the tampering with the electric circuit led to a dangerous situation, resulting in life-threatening injuries for the 17-year-old and the 18-year-old.
Additionally, two other individuals were present at the scene: a 16-year-old girl and a 19-year-old man. They were uninjured but were arrested on charges of break and enter alongside the other two suspects. According to police spokesperson Const. Caroline Chèvrefils, these individuals are accused of being complicit in the attempted theft, thus raising concerns about youth involvement in criminal activities in vacant buildings.
The arrested individuals were released on a promise to appear in court at a later date, while the critically injured boys remained in the hospital. This incident sheds light on the dangers of trespassing and illegally accessing dangerous areas like vacant buildings, which can often harbor hazardous conditions. The police continue their investigation to understand the full context of the situation and ensure accountability for any illegal actions taken.
Authorities urge the public to stay away from vacant properties to avoid accidents akin to this situation, emphasizing the serious risks associated with tampering with electrical systems. As the community absorbs the news of this unfortunate event, it serves as a reminder of the perils young individuals may face in search of adventure or quick gains through theft, often overlooking the inherent dangers involved.
This case also reflects broader issues related to youth criminality, safety, and the implications of negligence in such matters. The Montreal Police reiterated their commitment to addressing such illegal activities and ensuring safety throughout the community while raising awareness about the heavy consequences that can accompany reckless actions.
