A lifeless body was found in the Batiscan River in the department of Lac-aux-Sables in Mauricie on Sunday morning. An eight-year-old missing since Friday in Notre-Dame-de-Montauban.
According to eyewitnesses, the river burst its banks and many objects were thrown onto the surrounding land. The victim, an 83-year-old man, tried to save the furniture, but as he crossed the road, the road gave way under his feet, carrying him away.
“He was standing at the end of his driveway and he disappeared. Dad ran over and miraculously grabbed his hand. At that point, I ran inside to get the rope. We threw it to him, he grabbed it, and we held it for 30 seconds. […] Then he left,” said a man who tried to save the victim with his father.
“I know him very well. I have trouble finding words, it’s so sad. It could have happened to anyone, but it had to be him. It must have been terrible,” said one acquaintance, who, however, wished to remain anonymous.
Credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
An investigation was launched by the Sûreté du Québec in collaboration with the coroner with the aim of clarifying the causes and circumstances of the event.
Worst memories
History will repeat itself in the small municipality as several such episodes have occurred in recent years.
The incident also brings back bad memories for department resident Lucy Rustin, who in 2019 recovered the body of Patrick Bouchard, a soldier and young father of three, from the Valcartier base who drowned in the Patiscan River.
“Of course we look back on it, it’s never good memories. The current is sometimes very strong. It can be dangerous very quickly. I have an idea for the family because it must not be easy now. “, he told the Journal.
Credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
In July 2022, 49-year-old Christian Porre from Saint-Tite was found lifeless after swimming in the Batiscan River, which was dangerous for him.
Last April, a man in his sixties also died after falling unconscious near a boat in Lake Georges in Notre-Dame-de-Montauban. However, the drowning theory remains to be confirmed.
No cell coverage
Note that there is still no cellular coverage in Notre-Dame-de-Montauban. Hence, it is difficult to reach emergency services.
“Tragedies like this can happen anywhere, but when it happens there’s practically nothing we can do because we can’t call for help. It’s absolutely crazy to think it’s 2024 and we still don’t have a cellular network,” complained one citizen during the Journal’s column.
During the 2019 and 2022 drownings, partners tried to reach emergency services, but to no avail.
The mayor of the corporation repeatedly insisted that the government should take action on this issue. Finally, last July, Quebec announced plans to develop a cell site in the region. Work is also underway, but it is not expected to be completed until early 2026.
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