A Montreal car enthusiast claims severe burns from a showroom explosion have upended his life, prompting a $20 million lawsuit against a local Ferrari dealership and five employees.
The Explosive Incident
Richard Papazian and his wife Isabelle Arcand filed the suit in Montreal’s Superior Court against the dealership, sales manager Jean-Daniel Bienvenue, owner Gad Bitton, and three other staff members. The event unfolded on August 7, 2024.
Papazian, an avid collector, had placed a $20,000 deposit in July 2022 for a Ferrari 296 GTS Fiorano but later expressed interest in alternatives. Invited to the dealership, he examined several vehicles, including a 2004 Ferrari 360 Pista Spider owned by fellow collector Luc Poirier.
The lawsuit alleges dealership staff removed the fuel rail and injectors from Poirier’s car for another vehicle, leaving it unstable. Bienvenue aimed to showcase the engine’s sound with the cover open and keys inside. On the third start attempt, fuel spilled where Papazian stood, igniting an explosion that set him ablaze.
“And on the third attempt, the next thing I knew I had become a human torch,” Papazian recounted.
Injuries and Lasting Impact
Papazian endured second- and third-degree burns across 56% of his body, landing him in a medically induced coma for a month. He now faces permanent disabilities and psychological trauma, including PTSD triggered by Ferraris.
Once active in travel, water sports, skiing, photography, and painting, Papazian reports diminished stamina. “Even driving. I’m driving a little bit now, but I don’t have the stamina to be able to drive for a long period of time,” he said. His collection has shrunk to two undrivable Porsches; he sold his Ferrari as it caused distress.
Despite informing Bitton and Bienvenue of his PTSD, the $20,000 deposit remains unreturned, per the suit.
Dealership Response and Sympathy from Owner
Papazian criticized the dealership’s response: “It’s been one hell of a battle. But what the most disturbing issue is, is that they never reached out. They didn’t even send a box of chocolates.” He mentioned Bitton offering Formula One tickets and car resale opportunities amid his recovery struggles.
Ferrari Quebec issued a statement expressing deep concern: “Ferrari Québec is deeply affected by the events reported, and our thoughts are with the man who was seriously injured as well as his loved ones. The situation is extremely serious, and we sincerely hope for his recovery.”
The statement defended Bitton as committed and hardworking, noting full cooperation with authorities amid the legal process, and declined further comment.
Papazian spoke positively of Luc Poirier, whose $50 million collection boasts Quebec’s largest Ferrari holdings: “He’s very sympathetic for what happened.” Poirier, unaware of the modifications, received payment for his car.
Lawsuit Demands and Outlook
The suit seeks $800,000 in non-pecuniary damages, $10 million punitive, $10 million economic, and the deposit refund. Papazian, treated at CHUM hospital, praised the staff: “I really think they saved my life.”
Marking two years post-accident on his 66th birthday, he reflected optimistically: “When I turned 66 years old, April 11, I woke up and I was doing the peace sign on both hands… I survived two years after the accident.”
“I want justice. I want some respect. I would really like to get my dignity back,” Papazian stated. The allegations await court testing.
