Fire crews called to battle fire at Queen Elizabeth Hotel

A two-alarm fire in downtown Montreal Thursday afternoon brought traffic to a standstill in the downtown core.

Firefighters were called to the Queen Elizabeth Hotel on René-Levesque Boulevard shortly before 1:30 p.m.

According to Richard Boudreau, a spokesperson for the Montreal fire department, the blaze started on the 16th floor of the hotel before spreading to the 20th floor.

While the cause of the fire is still not known, Boudreau said it started following construction work.

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Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and there were no reports of injuries.

René-Levesque Boulevard in the eastbound direction is closed between Metcalfe Street and McGill College Avenue as fire crews wrap up operations.

The boulevard is expected to reopen to traffic ahead of the rush hour.

The hotel is currently closed to guests as it is undergoing a major facelift.

Renovation work on the Montreal landmark is expected to be finished in time for the city’s 375th anniversary celebrations in 2017.

WATCH BELOW: Queen Elizabeth Hotel to close for major renovations