In brief
Emergency teams are on the hunt for four individuals after a medical helicopter owned by Airmedic crashed into a Quebec lake Friday night. One survivor was rescued with non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency teams intensified their search on Saturday for four missing individuals after a medical helicopter operated by Airmedic crashed into a lake in rural Quebec late Friday evening. According to Raphaele Bourgault, a representative from Airmedic, the helicopter was carrying five individuals—four crew members and one patient—when the incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. in a heavily wooded area north of Natashquan, Quebec. Quebec provincial police spokeswoman, Sgt. Laurie Avoine, confirmed that one person was located and transported to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, although it remains unclear if this individual was part of the crew.The crash took place shortly after the helicopter took off, as reported by Nicholas Defalco of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Details regarding the helicopter's departure and intended destination have not yet been made public. In response to the accident, Airmedic announced a temporary suspension of its air operations.Natashquan, known for its remote location on the north shore of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence—approximately 625 miles northeast of Quebec City—is home to around 300 residents, including the renowned Québécois artist Gilles Vigneault. The region, part of Côte-Nord, is a draw for tourists seeking outdoor experiences such as whale watching and exploring lush forests. The ongoing search efforts include ground, water, and air operations, bolstered by assistance from the Canadian Armed Forces.
