[EN IMAGES] Explosion in Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan: fire still in progress, workers missing

Several employees are missing following an explosion that completely destroyed a flammable product supply business in Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan in the Lanaudière region on Thursday morning.

About fifty firefighters have completely destroyed a business that still supplies flammable goods at the scene of the explosion. The fire was not brought under control till afternoon.

This was confirmed by officials on Thursday afternoon during a press conference that brought together François Thivierge, director of the fire department of MRC de Montcalm, the principal of MRC de Montcalm, Patrick Masse, and the mayor of the municipality. Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Sébastien Marcil.

Mr. with tears. Marcel underlined. “We’re crossing our fingers, we’re hopeful.”

A hundred residences were evacuated by afternoon, he said.

According to the director of the fire department, there is no longer an explosion hazard at the site, but a lot of hydrocarbons are still on the scene.

Investigators from the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) are also trying to determine the causes and circumstances of the accident.

Mr. Remember that three crew members were missing following the explosion, according to Marcel. “Saint-Roch was struck in the heart today.”

• Listen to journalist Alexandre Moranville at Mario Dumont’s microphone QUB-Radio :

collateral damage

Several residents heard a loud explosion at Propane LaFortune, located in Ronge de la Riviere Nord, around 11:15 a.m.

Even the roof of the business was blown off by the force of the blast.

Then, just as dinner was about to begin, a huge fire broke out and the entire building was engulfed in flames.

According to our information, workers are trapped inside. However, their exact number is unknown.

Residents within a kilometer radius were also evacuated due to the risk of further explosions.

A gathering place for evacuees has been set up at the Saint-Roch-de-l’Achigan church. Firefighters and representatives of the emergency services are on site to receive victims.

Patrick Massé, director of the MRC de Montcalm, said there were very few details at this time.

“The community is very affected. We are a tight-knit community in Montcalm,” he added.

• Listen to the different facts history of QMI Agency journalist Maxime Deland at the microphone of Benoit Dudrysak :

Public Security Minister François Bonnardel said on Twitter that he had been informed of the situation and was monitoring the situation closely.