Police are currently conducting an investigation following a helicopter crash that occurred in a field near the Rang des Écossais off Highway 10 in Sainte-Brigide-d’Iberville, Quebec, on Saturday afternoon. Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Brigitte Dorsainville reported that the incident took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. ET, and the helicopter was engulfed in flames upon the arrival of emergency responders. Tragically, all four individuals aboard the aircraft were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Sainte-Brigide-d’Iberville is situated about 55 kilometers southeast of Montreal. Authorities revealed that the helicopter likely faced complications shortly after takeoff, resulting in the crash near its departure location. The specific origin of the helicopter was not disclosed by the SQ.
According to Radio-Canada, the pilot has been identified as Suzanne Jutras, who was known for offering helicopter tours. Described as a seasoned pilot by a close friend who spoke anonymously to Radio-Canada, Jutras had a wealth of experience in aviation. The identities of the passengers have not yet been disclosed, although police have indicated that the helicopter was categorized as a “private aircraft.”
The fire has been successfully extinguished, and the SQ’s major crimes unit has assumed control of the investigation. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has dispatched a team of investigators to the crash site, as confirmed in a statement to CBC News. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon expressed his condolences on social media, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of civil aviation operations. Transport Canada will be appointing a “minister’s observer” to oversee the response alongside the TSB, provide updates to the minister on the progress of the inquiry, and help identify any potential regulatory or safety issues.