Quebec Propane Company Explosion; At least 1 Person Missing

QUEBEC – According to provincial police, at least one person went missing Thursday after an explosion at a fuel distribution company in Quebec’s Lanaudiere area (SQ).

During a press conference in St-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Quebec,  the municipality where the blast occurred, SQ spokesperson Eloise Cossette warned that more people could be missing.

There have been no verified deaths.

Cossette added that police would only be able to search the area once it was deemed safe by the team of 50 firefighters putting out the flames.

The explosion occurred at 11:17 a.m. on Thursday at a propane factory about 50 kilometers north of Montreal. Propane Lafortune, located on Route 339 near Saint-Régis Road, is a family-run business that provides propane services in the Lanaudiere region.

Quebec Residents Told To Stay Inside

Suzanne Lafortune, who lives nearby but has nothing to do with the business, said that she had to leave her home after the explosion and that her son rushed to help.

“I believed it was an accident because I heard the explosion and looked and saw a massive fire, and my daughter contacted 911,” she told reporters Thursday afternoon.

“We can’t stay in our house because it’s unsafe.”

According to Fire Chief François Thivierge, the first units to arrive attempted to interfere but were forced to back off due to the risk of future explosions.

Fire Hard To Control After Explosion

Thivierge said that the fire was not under control and that officials were being careful because of safety concerns and the possibility that oil or gas could leak into a nearby river and harm the environment.

Mayor Sebastien Marcil of St-Roch de l’Achigan addressed the press conference with tears in his eyes.

“My sympathies are with all who have been affected by this catastrophe, both near and distant,” he stated.

Buildings within a one-kilometer radius of the explosion were evacuated, affecting hundreds of people. The basement of the St-Roch-de-l’Achigan church serves as a resource center for those in need.

Firefighters from Repentigny, Rawdon, Ste-Julienne, and St-Lin-Laurentides are assisting local firefighters. Police have arrived to aid.

Paramedics Onsite, Cannot Approach Due To The Hazards.

Anyone in the vicinity is advised to avoid the sector.

“My sympathies are with the citizens of St-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Quebec and the staff of Propane Lafortune,” tweeted Quebec Premier Francois Legault, adding, “Please be attentive and respect the evacuation precautions.” I’d want to thank all of the emergency response teams who are on the scene.”

François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security, stated that his office is “closely monitoring the situation,” adding that “our thoughts are with the workers.”

A hotline has been established for all Saint-Roch-de-L’Achigan, Quebec residents who want to learn more about the ongoing fire: 514-347-7041.

SOURCE – (CTV)