Devastating Crash Near Natashquan
A tragic incident has unfolded in northeastern Quebec, where an Airmedic helicopter crashed late Friday night near the community of Natashquan, approximately 1,000 kilometers northeast of Montreal. The crash, which occurred around 10:30 p.m., involved five individuals, including four crew members and a patient. Quebec provincial police, known as the Sรปretรฉ du Quรฉbec (SQ), reported that one man was rescued from the wreckage and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The remaining four individuals on board remain unaccounted for, prompting an extensive search operation. The helicopter went down in a remote, wooded area north of Natashquan in the province's Cรดte-Nord region. This isolated location has added complexity to the search efforts, as authorities navigate challenging terrain to locate the missing persons.
Search Efforts and Community Impact
Quebec provincial police launched a comprehensive search operation on Saturday following the crash. Sgt. รlizabeth Marquis-Guy confirmed that efforts are focused on combing the dense forested area near Watshishou Lake, where the helicopter is believed to have gone down. The operation resumed on Monday after initial searches over the weekend yielded no results for the missing individuals.
The incident has deeply affected the local community and the broader Airmedic family. In a statement released on Sunday, Airmedic announced the suspension of its operations to support its employees during this difficult time, stating, 'This tragedy has deeply shaken the entire Airmedic family.' The medical transport service plays a critical role in providing emergency care in remote areas of Quebec, making this loss particularly impactful.
Ongoing Investigation and Support
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash, and investigations are underway to uncover what led to this devastating event. The focus remains on locating the four missing individuals, with police and emergency teams working tirelessly in the rugged terrain of northeastern Quebec. Updates on the search and investigation are expected as more information becomes available.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by medical transport crews who often operate in challenging conditions to save lives. As the search continues, the thoughts of many are with the families of those missing and the Airmedic team grappling with this profound loss.