Montreal

Arson unit investigates car explosion in Montreal's east end

Police say it began when a resident called 911 to report hearing an explosion, then seeing a car burning in a field.

Witness heard explosion and called 911 to report car burning in field

police car
Montreal's arson unit is investigating. (Radio-Canada)

The Montreal police department's arson unit is investigating after a car fire led to an explosion in the city's east end.

Police say it began when a resident called 911 to report hearing an explosion, then seeing a car burning in a field.

The field is near Perras Boulevard in the Riviere-des-Prairies—Pointe-aux-Trembles borough.

Police spokesperson Véronique Dubuc said the car was "hardly accessible" and far from the road.

"No one was in the car and, considering the location of the car and the sound of the explosion that was heard by witnesses, the fire department found this event suspicious," she said.

For that reason, the investigation was transferred to the Montreal police arson unit. 

Police are asking anybody with information about the incident to contact police.