Tragedy Strikes as Airmedic Helicopter Crashes in Quebec
Search teams made a heartbreaking discovery Monday evening when divers recovered the body of a crew member from the Airmedic helicopter that crashed into Watshishou Lake on Quebec’s North Shore. While one survivor was pulled to safety last week, three people remain missing as rescue efforts press on.
The incident unfolded late Friday night, around 10:30 p.m., near Natashquan, Quebec—over 1,000 kilometres northeast of Montreal. The Airmedic aircraft, part of a mission to transport a patient, carried four crew members and one passenger. Shortly after takeoff, the helicopter plunged into the lake under circumstances that remain unclear.
One Survivor, Ongoing Search
Remarkably, one crew member escaped the wreckage and was rushed to hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Meanwhile, authorities have not yet released the identity of the recovered crew member, as formal identification and family notification are still underway.
Provincial police divers, alongside members of the Canadian Armed Forces, continue their painstaking search for the missing individuals and the aircraft itself. The operation has faced interruptions due to challenging conditions, but teams remain determined23.
Airmedic Responds with Support and Suspension
Airmedic, a private company specializing in air medical transport, released a statement expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to the family and friends of their lost colleague. “The entire Airmedic family is in mourning,” a spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of our colleague, to whom we offer our most sincere condolences.”
In response to the tragedy, Airmedic has temporarily suspended all flight operations to focus on supporting its teams. Psychosocial resources have been made available to employees as they process the loss and uncertainty.
Investigation Launched as Community Mourns
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an independent investigation into the crash, aiming to uncover the cause of this devastating accident. As the inquiry begins, the community and Airmedic personnel stand together, united in grief and hope for the safe return of the missing.
Transition words such as “meanwhile,” “remarkably,” “additionally,” “in response,” and “as the inquiry begins” help guide readers through the story, which is written in clear, accessible language for maximum readability.
Key Takeaways
One crew member’s body recovered; three still missing after Airmedic helicopter crash in Quebec.
One survivor rescued with non-life-threatening injuries.
Search operations continue with support from police and military.
Airmedic halts operations, offers support to employees.
Independent investigation underway to determine crash cause.
