Workers missing after explosion at propane facility in Quebec’s Lanaudière
Posted January 12, 2023 2:18 pm.
Last Updated January 12, 2023 10:49 pm.
Officials say at least three workers are missing after an explosion at a propane facility in St-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Que. in the Lanaudière region – about 51 kilometers north of Montreal.
Sûreté du Québec (SQ) say it’s too soon to confirm any victims.
Calls to 911 came in around 11:17 a.m. about the blast on Thursday morning at Propane Lafortune, on Rang de la Rivière Nord (Route 339), near Rang Saint-Régis.
The Montcalm regional municipality says more explosions are possible because of the propane tanks on site, and are warning people to stay away.
An evacuation of residences within a one kilometer radius of the explosion were ordered to help firefighters and authorities secure the perimeter. Psychological support and shelter is available for citizens in the basement of the church of Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan.
Mayor Sébastien Marcil fought back tears as he thanked everyone for their kind word and solidarity that they have showed, “it warms the heart and all our thoughts with the families near and far that were touched by this today.”
At a press briefing at 3:15 p.m. he said, “it was a shock for all the community, a small community Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan,” as he cried and said they are keeping their fingers crossed and keeping hope for what’s to come. The town has a population of under 6,000 people.
“It’s the uncertainty, it’s the uncertainty, it’s the fact that three people, thee citizens, thee of our citizens are missing today. We are looking for them, we are waiting for answers.”
The fire was still not under control by late afternoon, said François Thivierge Directeur, Service de sécurité des incendies, MRC de Montclam – but explained that the security perimeter would be reduced.
On Facebook the MRC de Montcalm posting: “Avoid the area! Roads closed and reserved for emergency vehicles only (Rang de la Rivière Nord / Rang Saint-Régis).”
The St-Roch-de-l’Achigan fire department has about 50 people onsite and they are being supported by those from Repentigny, Rawdon, Sainte-Julienne and Saint-Lin-Laurentides.
At the afternoon press conference, authorities said they were also collaborating with Quebec government officials.
Provincial Public Security Minister Francois Bonnardel tweeted that his office is “following the situation closely,” and that their thoughts are with the workers.
J’ai été informé de l’explosion dans une usine de propane à St-Roch-de-L’Achigan. On suit la situation de près, la @sureteduquebec est sur place. Nos pensées sont avec les travailleurs.
— François Bonnardel (@fbonnardelCAQ) January 12, 2023
Propane Lafortune is a family-run business that distributes propane and other fuels like heating oil.
