Senneville reeling from homemade bomb blast

Senneville is known for its serene community life.

But part of the village of 921 on the western tip of Montreal became a crime scene June 6 when a homemade bomb detonated in a mailbox on scenic Senneville Rd., near Angus Ave.

Police are investigating the blast that injured a 68-year-old woman while she was retrieving mail around 7:30 p.m. A man in his 20s, who was nearby when the explosion occurred, came to the woman’s aid.

Although she was not seriously injured in the explosion, news of the bombing left local residents in shock.

Senneville Mayor Julie Brisebois said she, too, was surprised by the mailbox explosion.

“I’m shocked as everybody. This is not the kind of news or events you expect here, for sure. So I will keep a close eye and be in contact with the Montreal police as this evolves. That’s all I can say at the moment.

“Montreal police are taking it very seriously,” she added. “They ’re not ruling out anything.”

Brisebois published a bulletin to residents on the village website last Thursday to inform them of the situation and reassure them that authorities are investigating.

“Be assured that the SPVM has ensured that the entire sector was safe before leaving and they are continuing to investigate the incident. Additionally, for the duration of this investigation, you will see an increased presence of the SPVM in the sector,” the mayor said in a statement.

“The SPVM asks citizens to contact the 911 emergency service directly to report any suspicious or urgent event, in particular suspicious packages,” she added.

Brisebois said the Montreal arson squad is investigating the explosion.

Police are still investigating, but said there are no new developments to report.