Four people have died after a helicopter crashed in a small town in Canada. Emergency services rushed to Sainte-Brigide-d'Iberville, in Montérégie, on Saturday after being called at approximately 2.30pm local time. Upon their arrival, the crews found the helicopter had plunged to the ground and was on fire, Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Brigitte Dorsainville said. The occupants were all sadly declared dead at the scene.
Fire brought under control
The fire at the site was brought under control around an hour after police were called to the area, but officials remained at the scene for enquiries for several hours. The Major Crime Unit of the Sûreté du Québec is leading the probe into the incident, working with crime scene technicians and investigators from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
The crash site is located near the Rang des Écossais, some 31 miles from Montreal, officials said. It wasn't immediately clear from where the helicopter departed, but the Sûreté du Québec said it was likely the vehicle encountered difficulties shortly after taking off.
Investigation underway
Sergeant Audrey-Anne Bilodeau said the victims haven't yet been identified and added the aircraft appeared to be a private helicopter. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed that it had deployed a team of investigators to the crash site.
Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon wrote on X to express his condolences, adding: "The safety of civil aviation operations is Transport Canada's top priority. The department will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground and remains ready to provide support and collaborate with all stakeholders involved in the unfolding events."
