Four people died Saturday when a helicopter crashed and caught fire in a field in Sainte-Brigide-d’Iberville, Quebec, about 55 kilometres southeast of Montreal. The Sûreté du Québec and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada have launched investigations into the fatal afternoon incident.
Emergency Response and the Scene at Sainte-Brigide-d’Iberville
First responders rushed to a field near the Rang des Écossais off Highway 10 after emergency calls reported the crash just after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. According to initial information, an aircraft in difficulty crashed in the area located near Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. When police and firefighters arrived, the helicopter was on fire. The Sûreté du Québec stated that four people lost their lives in the incident, and the four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. Fire crews worked quickly to douse the wreckage, bringing the blaze fully under control within about an hour of the crash. Once the fire was extinguished, a security perimeter was erected around the site.
Investigation Underway by the Sûreté du Québec and Safety Board
Provincial police have assigned the file to their major crimes unit, and reconstruction specialists were also dispatched to the location. Investigators stress that the inquiry remains in its earliest stages, and officials have not yet released the identities of the victims. Sûreté du Québec spokespersons Brigitte Dorsainville and Audrey-Anne Bilodeau noted that it is a private helicopter at first glance, though police were initially unable to provide details on the exact ownership of the aircraft, where it took off, or the make and model of the involved machine. Authorities also stated that it remains unclear if the fire began in the air or as a result of the crash.
Alongside the provincial police, federal transportation authorities have stepped in. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada was notified and dispatched a team of investigators to the site to assess the circumstances, gather information, and determine the causes of the accident. TSB spokesperson Nic Defalco confirmed the deployment.
Federal Transport Minister Responds to the Montérégie Tragedy
Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon addressed the crash on the social network X, writing, We are aware of the unfortunate helicopter crash that occurred earlier this afternoon in the Montérégie region of Quebec. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. First responders are currently at the scene of the crash.
He announced that an official ministerial observer will be appointed during the investigation.
The safety of civil aviation operations is Transport Canada's highest priority,
MacKinnon added in his online statement. The department will continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground and stands ready to provide support and work with all relevant parties as the situation develops.