According to information released on social media by the Canadian Madeira Club, a individual entered the premises with the apparent intention of setting fire to the building, using an accelerant product. The act resulted in a explosion that seriously injured the suspect himselfwhich was engulfed in flames at the scene.
A one of the oldest institutions of the Portuguese community in Toronto, was seriously damaged in the early hours of Wednesday, after a criminal act that caused a violent explosion in its facilities, located on DuPont Street, the association announced on social media.
The director of Casa da Madeira, Décio Gonçalves, told Lusa that the incident “left the community in a state of shock” and that “it was a miracle that there were no more victims”.
“This is a deliberate attack that could have cost lives. Casa da Madeira is a symbol of the Portuguese presence in Toronto and a space for meeting and culture. Seeing this happen is devastating for all of us”, he lamented.
Suspect was injured
According to information released on social media by the Canadian Madeira Club, a individual entered the premises with the apparent intention of setting fire to the building, using an accelerant product.
The act resulted in a explosion that seriously injured the suspect himselfwhich was engulfed in flames at the scene.
The man will have left behind several personal objects that could be crucial to his identification.
The police and firefighters were quickly mobilized and are now investigating the circumstances of what happened.
“The response of the emergency teams was quick and exemplary. Thanks to this, an even greater tragedy was avoided”, highlighted Gonçalves, adding that the management of Casa da Madeira “is fully cooperating with the authorities”.
The leader also highlighted the expressions of support received since the incident:
“We have received messages of solidarity from the entire Portuguese-Canadian community, from other associations and even from political representatives. This union gives us strength to rebuild and continue our mission.”
The Wooden House, founded more than half a century agois considered a historical and cultural reference for the Madeiran diaspora in Canada, hosting cultural, social and charitable events.
Décio Gonçalves assured that, despite the damage, “Casa da Madeira will be reborn with the same spirit and determination that have always characterized the Portuguese community”.
