In brief
Emergency crews are actively searching for those involved in the tragic crash as Airmedic confirms operations are temporarily suspended.
Emergency responders launched an extensive search on Saturday for four individuals missing after a medical helicopter crashed into a lake in a rural area of Quebec late on Friday night. The helicopter, operated by Airmedic, had five individuals on board: four crew members and one patient. One person was found with non-life-threatening injuries and transported to a hospital, according to a statement from Sgt. Laurie Avoine of the Quebec provincial police.The crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. in a wooded region near Natashquan, Quebec. Authorities have called upon the Canadian Armed Forces to assist in the search operation, which is being conducted through various means—on land, in the water, and via air. Preliminary reports indicate that the helicopter went down shortly after taking off; details regarding its departure and destination remain uncertain.Airmedic, which operates a fleet of planes and helicopters, announced on its website that all air operations would be suspended until further notice due to the incident. The crash site near Natashquan, a small village on the north shore of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, is described by the province’s tourism group, Bonjour Quebec, as remote and scenic. This area, part of the Côte-Nord region, attracts tourists with opportunities for whale watching and exploration of its vast forests. It is also the hometown of noted Québécois singer-songwriter Gilles Vigneault.
