Four Killed in Helicopter Crash Near Montreal
Ottilie Mitchell
A private helicopter crashed on the evening of Saturday, killing all four occupants. The aircraft came to rest in a wooded area near the Rang des Écossais road, off Highway 10, about 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Montreal. The crash was discovered by emergency services shortly after 2:30 p.m., local time (19:30 BST), which found the aircraft on fire and unable to be salvaged.
The Sûreté du Québec confirmed that the pilots and passengers were dead on the scene, and the identities of the victims are still unknown. Sergeant Audrey‑Anne Bilodeau, who spoke on the scene, said that the missing identification process could take a few days. The investigation is led by the Major Crime Unit of the Sûreté du Québec with support from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, who are examining the wreckage for clues.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control an hour after the emergency call, but the site remained hazardous until nearly 10 p.m. (03:00 GMT). The area has been cordoned off while investigators work to piece together what caused the loss of control and subsequent crash.
Authorities have not released details about the helicopter type or its possible mechanical issues. The incident raises new questions about small‑aircraft safety and rapid response protocols in rural Quebec, prompting officials to review existing risk assessments.
The scene is stark, lit only by emergency lights and the dim glow of the wreckage. As families await news, the community braces for a thorough investigation into the tragedy that has shaken the quiet surroundings of Sainte‑Brigide‑d'Iberville.
















