Two teenage boys, aged 17 and 18, are in critical condition after being electrocuted inside an abandoned building on Faillon Street in Montreal’s Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough on the afternoon of June 28, 2025. The group had illegally entered the vacant structure near Drolet Street when authorities received reports of an explosion at approximately 5:20 p.m. Police found the victims after they had come into contact with an electric circuit breaker while attempting to tamper with it. Two other individuals present at the scene were arrested for breaking and entering but were not physically injured. The incident remains under investigation as emergency services secured the area and the injured teens receive medical care.
The incident occurred in an abandoned building located on Faillon Street, a structure that has been vacant for several years. According to reports, the two teenage boys, along with other individuals, entered the premises without authorization. Authorities were alerted around 5:20 p.m. following calls reporting an explosion, which prompted a swift emergency response.
Upon arrival, police and emergency personnel discovered that the teens had suffered severe electric shocks after coming into contact with an exposed circuit breaker inside the building. Initial investigations suggest that the victims were attempting to tamper with the electrical system when the electrocution happened. The precise circumstances leading to their contact with the live electrical components are still being determined.
Medical teams quickly transported both victims to a nearby hospital where they remain in critical condition. Their injuries are described as serious, necessitating intensive care. Meanwhile, two other individuals who were with the teenagers at the time of the incident were detained by police on charges related to breaking and entering. Authorities confirmed that these two individuals did not sustain physical injuries.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
The Montreal police have initiated a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the electrocution. Officers continue to examine the scene and gather evidence to establish how the electrical hazard was accessible and to assess potential safety oversights related to the abandoned property. The building’s ownership and responsibility for securing the site are also under review to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Community and Municipal Response
The incident has raised concerns among local residents regarding the safety of abandoned structures within the borough of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension. Municipal officials have reiterated their commitment to addressing the hazards posed by vacant buildings, including increasing surveillance and enforcing stricter regulations against unauthorized entry. Community groups have called for enhanced measures to protect youth from the dangers of entering unsafe premises.
Authorities have appealed to the public, particularly young people, to avoid trespassing in abandoned buildings due to the inherent risks, including electrical hazards, structural instability, and the potential for other accidents. Emergency services remain on alert to respond promptly to any related incidents in the area.
The electrocution of the two teenage boys in the abandoned Faillon Street building highlights significant safety issues related to vacant properties in Montreal’s Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough. As the investigation continues, municipal authorities and community leaders emphasize the urgent need for improved security and preventive measures to protect residents, especially youth, from similar dangers. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of addressing the hazards associated with unauthorized access to unsafe structures and reinforces ongoing efforts to enhance public safety through stricter regulations and increased awareness campaigns.