NATASHQUAN – A search operation resumed on Sunday for four individuals reported missing after a tragic incident involving a medical transport helicopter on Quebec's North Shore. This crash occurred during a medical rescue operation and has sparked widespread concern and distress.
The Airmedic helicopter was involved in the unfortunate accident around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, near Natashquan, Quebec, which is located just over 1,000 kilometers northeast of Montreal. The helicopter was conducting a medical evacuation when it crashed into a lake shortly after takeoff, with five people on board.
In light of the devastating circumstances, Airmedic announced on Sunday that it has temporarily suspended its operations to provide support for its employees, emphasizing the deep impact of this tragedy on the entire Airmedic family. In their statement, the company expressed, “Due to this, management has temporarily suspended operations in order to prioritize the well-being of our teams and provide them with all the necessary support.”
The ongoing search for the missing individuals involves a coordinated effort by police and search-and-rescue teams, who are actively searching on the ground, in the air, and on the water. Provincial police divers joined the search efforts on Sunday, underscoring the urgency and importance of locating the four missing people.
Out of the five individuals aboard the helicopter, one crew member was rescued successfully; Airmedic reported that this person's life is not in danger, providing a glimmer of hope amid the distressing situation. The helicopter, which is part of Airmedic's fleet that specializes in air medical transport, was engaged in an essential service at the time of the accident.
The situation remains critical, as Quebec provincial police confirmed late Sunday afternoon that search operations are ongoing. Unfortunately, neither the helicopter nor the four missing individuals have been located at this time, heightening the concern for their safety and well-being.
This incident has drawn significant media attention and has led to questions about safety protocols in place for medical transport services. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences of such tragedies.
The Airmedic company, which offers air medical transport services across Canada, is facing a challenging period as it grapples with the emotional and operational ramifications of this incident. The focus remains on locating the missing individuals while providing support to the rescue teams and the affected families.
As the search continues, the community stands united in hope and support for the affected families while awaiting more updates from the ongoing operation. The safety and well-being of all those involved in medical transport remain a priority, with efforts being made to ensure that similar incidents do not happen in the future.
