Blog Post #1635 – Police Search for Answers at ‘Vast’ Quebec Explosion Site

Report from the OHS Canada magazine (Winter 2023)

The investigation into the causes of a fatal blast at a propane company north of Montreal could be long and complex, police said, after three bodies were found at the site.

Officials are dealing with a ‘vast’ scene complicated by snow., hazardous materials and objects that were projected far from the scene, provincial police spokesperson Eloise Cossette said.

“It’s a large scene with piles of debris, so we need to be very careful,” Cossette said.

The propane company later said the missing people included two employees and a subcontractor. They have been identified Celine Pilon, 65 of St.-Roch-de-L’Achigan, Que; France Desrosiers, 65, of nearby l’Epiphani, and Christophe Paradis, 26, of nearby Mascouche.

Five days after the explosion investigators were “still looking for answers” about what caused the blast, Cossette said. She said there were several types of fuel at the scene, including propane, gasoline, diesel and heating oil. Searchers had to shovel snow from the scene before they could sift through piles of debris, Cossette said, adding that the force of the blast scattered evidence far away and burned some of it.

“It’s long-term, meticulous work,” she said. The police major crimes unit has also been conducting an off-site investigation includes taking legal steps, such as obtaining warrants.

Mayor Sebastian Marcil said in a statement that the explosion had left residents with three questions: who, why and how?

“We hope that all energies can now be devoted to finding answers to the questions that remain,” said Marcil.

My opinion

I am going to investigate further to fine out if this accident has made it to the courts.

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Daniel L. Beal

CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.