After enduring several days without power in freezing temperatures, residents in Montreal’s western region are facing extensive property damage, with the investigation now looking into two deaths that may be related to the power outage.
A significant number of customers were left without electricity for over three days following a malfunction at the Hampstead substation, which caters to the area, on January 24. Hydro-Québec has faced criticism for the delays in restoring power and the perceived lack of effective communication during the incident.
Among the affected individuals is Jane Critchlow from the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood, who now has to contend with burst pipes and a lack of running water due to the power loss. She expressed frustration and held Hydro-Québec accountable for the situation, anticipating significant damage to her basement.
While the cause of their deaths remains unconfirmed, at least two fatalities occurred during the power outage. The Quebec coroner’s office has initiated an investigation into these deaths.
One of the deceased individuals, a 66-year-old woman, was discovered by firefighters during a wellness check in Montreal West. Another victim, 87-year-old Sheila Padmore, passed away in the hospital after being found unconscious on the floor by police in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.
A lawsuit has been filed by a Montreal law firm, Lex Group Inc., alleging that Hydro-Québec failed to fulfill its obligation to deliver reliable service. The class action lawsuit seeks compensation for residents impacted by the outage in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, as well as in Côte Saint-Luc and Montreal West.
Hydro-Québec has refrained from commenting on the legal action, stating that they are currently reviewing the application. The company emphasized its continuous communication efforts with affected communities, local authorities, and emergency services, including using automated calls and door-to-door outreach.
Regarding potential compensation for damages, Hydro-Québec recommended that affected customers should contact their insurance providers for assistance.
