Quebec helicopter crash kills four near Montreal

A private helicopter crashed and caught fire in a field in Sainte-Brigide-d’Iberville, Quebec, approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Montreal, on Saturday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time, resulted in the deaths of all four occupants.

Identities of the victims have been revealed through social media tributes. The passengers included Gabriel Jasmin, Chantal Raymond, and Loucas Perreault, who were reportedly on a flight to celebrate Raymond’s birthday. The pilot was identified as 50-year-old Suzanne Jutras.

Emergency responders arrived to find the aircraft engulfed in flames. While firefighters brought the blaze under control within an hour, all occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary reports suggest the helicopter may have encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff.

The Sûreté du Québec’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation alongside the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon expressed condolences and confirmed that a minister’s observer would be appointed to monitor the investigation.