In brief
Emergency responders are in search of four individuals following a medical helicopter crash in rural Quebec. The Airmedic-operated helicopter went down shortly after takeoff, and search teams are scouring the area for survivors while one crew member has been hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency responders were actively engaged in searching for four individuals reported missing after a medical helicopter crash in rural Quebec on Friday night. The aircraft, operated by Airmedic, had five people on board, including four crew members and one patient, according to Raphaele Bourgault, a manager with the company.Initial reports indicate that one individual was rescued from the wreckage with injuries that are not life-threatening and transported to a nearby hospital. The identity of this person has not been confirmed as a member of the crew. The crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. in a remote, wooded region about north of Natashquan, Quebec, as noted by Sgt. Laurie Avoine, a spokesperson for the Quebec provincial police.To enhance the search efforts, the Canadian Armed Forces have been enlisted to assist the provincial police. Rescuers are deploying ground and aerial resources to locate the missing individuals. Nicholas Defalco, a spokesperson for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, mentioned that the helicopter crashed shortly after its departure, but details regarding the flight's intended destination were not immediately disclosed.In light of the incident, Airmedic announced a temporary suspension of air operations across its fleet, which includes seven planes and six helicopters. Natashquan, situated on the northern shore of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and approximately 625 miles from Quebec City, is a small village known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, notably whale watching and forest exploration. The area has a small population of around 300 and is also recognized as the hometown of notable Québécois cultural figures.
