Blog Post #1636 – Police Search for Answers at ‘Vast’ Quebec Explosion Site – Part 2

Report from Google report July 07, 2025

A fatal explosion occurred at a Quebec fuel distributor, Propane Lafortune, in St-Roch-de-l’Achigan on January 12, killing three workers. The explosion, which involved a gasoline vapor ignition during welding repair work on a tanker truck, also destroyed the building.

Details of the incident: 

• Cause:

A welder was repairing cracks in a tanker trailer when sparks from his tool ignited gasoline vapors inside the compartment.

• Location:

The welding was being done inside a building, not outdoors as it had been the day before, which contributed to the severity of the explosion and fire.

• Fatalities:

Three people died: the welder, a 26-year-old, and two secretaries, both 65 years old.

• Investigation:

Quebec’s workplace safety board, the CNESST, investigated the incident and concluded that proper safety procedures were not followed.

• Recommendations:

The CNESST recommended that companies ensure tanks are completely empty of fuel before welding and that hot work be conducted outdoors or in areas designed for such activities.

• Actions taken:

Propane Lafortune was prohibited from removing rubble from the site without an inspector present and from conducting hot work near tanks containing flammable materials.

• Additional Violations:

The welding contractor was also prohibited from performing welding work near hydrocarbon-containing tanks and required to establish safe working methods.

My opinion

There is no other report from the courts. (fines) There are some very solid recommendations that have to be followed.

Recommendations for prevention

The CNESST has outlined a series of recommendations to prevent accidents during welding work and when working with flammable products. These include:

Risk analysis: Prior to any hot work, a thorough risk analysis must be conducted to identify, control, and eliminate potential hazards.

Eliminating ignition sources: All potential sources of ignition, including electrical installations within the vicinity of flammable vapors, must be eliminated.

Safe distances: Welding and cutting should be conducted at a distance of more than 11 meters from combustible and flammable materials, unless all ignition risks are identified and controlled.

Proper storage: Parking tank vehicles inside buildings not specifically designed for this purpose should be prohibited.

Inspection and cleaning: Tank vehicles must undergo thorough exterior inspections and cleaning to ensure there are no leaks in the tank, piping, or valves before they are parked inside.

Avoiding work on contaminated containers: Whenever possible, welding, cutting, or heating work should not be performed on containers that have contained combustible materials or materials likely to release toxic or flammable vapors under the influence of heat.

Cleaning and purging: Containers and tanks should be cleaned to remove any combustible or heat-sensitive materials. If hazards persist, they should be purged with inert gas or filled with water to a safe level.

Worker training: Workers should be educated about the risks associated with their tasks, receiving proper training and supervision to develop the necessary skills and knowledge.

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Propane Heaters and Torches’, ‘Propane Filling’ and ‘Propane Handling and Exchange’.

Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at info@hrsgroup.com

Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

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