On Saturday, Quebec provincial police launched a search operation following a helicopter crash that occurred late Friday night near Natashquan, northeastern Quebec. The helicopter, operated by Airmedic, was on a medical evacuation mission when it went down around 10:30 p.m. Reports indicate that five individuals were on board the aircraft at the time of the accident. While one person was rescued and sustained non-life-threatening injuries, four others remain unaccounted for as search efforts commenced throughout the region.
The site of the crash, over 1,000 kilometers northeast of Montreal, prompted an extensive search operation. Police planned to sweep through the wooded areas north of Natashquan, deploying trained search specialists capable of searching both land and water. The involvement of the Canadian Armed Forces was also solicited to enhance the search and rescue efforts, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Sgt. Élizabeth Marquis-Guy noted the gravity of the missing individuals’ status, emphasizing ongoing efforts to locate them.
Raphaele Bourgault, a spokesperson for Airmedic, confirmed the helicopter was part of their fleet and affirmed that emergency services responded quickly to the tragic incident. Bourgault expressed the company’s concern for those impacted by the accident, stating that Airmedic is dedicated to cooperating with authorities to manage the response effectively. Offering air medical transport services across Canada, Airmedic is a private firm specializing in emergency situations like this, where critical medical assistance is needed.
The investigation surrounding the crash will be conducted by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada, which has already been informed about the incident. A TSB spokesman indicated that the helicopter experienced an accident shortly after takeoff, when it was engaged in a medical evacuation operation. Currently, the TSB is gathering relevant information and is in contact with the helicopter’s operator in order to assess the circumstances leading to the crash.
In collaboration with the TSB, local police investigators will assist in the examination of the crash site and contribute to the overall probe to uncover the potential causes of this tragic event. The deployment of specialized ground and aerial search teams illustrates the comprehensive approach being taken to recover the missing individuals and ensure their safety, as well as gathering vital information for the ongoing investigation.
As the situation develops, Airmedic continues to release updates, prioritizing transparency regarding the ongoing search and providing critical support to families affected by this incident. The tragic helicopter crash not only raises concerns over air medical transport operations but also calls for scrutiny in the safety and regulatory measures governing such operations, all while underscoring the need for efficient emergency response protocols in remote regions.
