No Injuries Reported in Early Morning Blaze on Jean-Talon Street
A three-alarm fire wreaked havoc in Park Extension early Friday December 15th morning, engulfing a popular grocery store and impacting a mosque located on the second floor of the building. The blaze, which started in the basement, led to the evacuation of nearby residences but, fortunately, resulted in no injuries.
The incident began when employees at BK Marché, who were starting their early shift, heard a startling explosion followed by the sight of smoke rapidly filling the building. The grocery store, a staple in the community with over 50 employees, found itself at the center of a crisis. Approximately 90 firefighters rushed to the scene at the corner of Jean Talon Street and Bloomfield Avenue just after 6 a.m., battling the flames that originated in the basement. Their swift action was crucial in preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of those in the vicinity.
The event drew several people from the area, who gathered near the site, offering support and solidarity to the store’s owner and employees affected by the disaster. This communal response highlighted the close-knit nature of the Park Extension community. Jean Talon Street was closed to traffic between L’Acadie Boulevard and Querbes Avenue throughout the morning, causing significant disruptions. As of now, the fire department continues its investigation into the cause of the fire, seeking to understand the origins of this unexpected tragedy.
