Four dead in private helicopter crash near Montreal

Four people were killed when a private helicopter went down southeast of Montreal on Saturday. The crash occurred at about 2.30 p.m. in the municipality of Sainte‑Brigide‑d’Iberville, roughly 50 km (31 miles) from the city. Audrey‑Anne Bilodeau, spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec, said the aircraft showed signs of trouble before it hit the ground. Firefighters reached the site and put out the fire within an hour, but all four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not released the identities of the victims. The cause of the crash remains unknown pending investigation. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed investigators to collect evidence. The helicopter is believed to have been a private aircraft, not a commercial service. Authorities are coordinating the response with local emergency teams. The crash site is located near the St. Lawrence River corridor, a region popular for private flight training. Investigators will examine the flight recorder and wreckage for mechanical failure or pilot error. The incident adds to a series of recent aviation accidents in Canada, prompting calls for closer safety oversight. No further details on the passengers or the flight plan have been made public. Officials ask the public to avoid the crash area while the investigation continues. Police will update the community once more information becomes available.