Fire at Ferrari Quebec dealership: new video evidence and $20.8 million lawsuit
Almost two years ago, a visit to the Ferrari dealership in Quebec turned into a life-changing disaster for Richard Papazian. Newly released surveillance footage reveals the true scale of the fire. It was not just a small engine compartment fire. The video shows flames instantly engulfing the entire car.
Incident circumstances and lawsuit
On August 7, 2024, Richard Papazian was at the Ferrari Quebec dealership. According to the lawsuit, a salesperson wanted to show him a 360 Modena model. It is alleged that the salesperson tried to start the car, unaware that parts of the fuel system had been removed. As reported by CTV News, the incident resulted in raw fuel igniting, causing Papazian to suffer life-threatening burns.
He is seeking $20.8 million (approximately) from the dealership, Ferrari North America, and Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, claiming the explosion was the result of gross negligence, recklessness, and willful misconduct.
Until now, public details of the incident have been limited. The new video reveals the true magnitude of the fire: the footage shows people inside the car with the doors and rear trunk lid open. Moments later, flames erupt, spreading beyond the Ferrari 360 and briefly reaching nearby cars on the showroom floor.
Consequences for the victim
Papazian suffered second and third-degree burns over more than 56 percent of his body and spent four weeks in a medically induced coma. The lawsuit alleges he has undergone numerous surgeries, failed skin grafts, kidney complications requiring dialysis, and has permanent injuries that persist to this day.
He also claims that dealership employees were effectively silenced after the incident, and he long wondered why an explosion powerful enough to nearly kill a man attracted almost no public attention. According to materials referenced in the lawsuit, even a police press release was reportedly prepared but never released.
Current status of the case and impact on life
The case remains open, and the new video could serve as significant evidence. As for the plaintiff’s passion for supercars and Ferrari? He says he can no longer even enjoy the Formula 1 weekend in Montreal. The incident has left behind far more than just physical evidence.
This case underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols even in seemingly controlled environments like a car dealership. What began as a routine car viewing turned into a tragedy due to, presumably, an oversight regarding the vehicle’s technical condition. The lack of public attention immediately following the event raises additional questions, and now, with the emergence of video evidence, the case is gaining renewed attention. For fans of automotive culture, this story serves as a reminder that even the most prestigious brands are not immune to human errors that can have devastating consequences.