By Canadian Press

Quebec firefighters who died in 2023 flood lacked training, equipment: safety board

Mar 28, 2024 | 10:34 AM

MONTREAL — Quebec’s workplace safety board says a lack of training and equipment contributed to the deaths of two firefighters during a flood northeast of Quebec City last May.

The volunteer firefighters were using an amphibious vehicle equipped with tracks and an outboard motor in an attempt to reach residents of a house that was surrounded by floodwaters in the small community of St-Urbain, Que.

The board says the current of the swollen Gouffre River swept the vehicle off course and into a tree, throwing the men into the river.

In its report, the board says that it was inappropriate to use the vehicle in a flooded field.

It also found that the operation lacked planning and that the firefighters didn’t have the appropriate skills, knowledge or equipment to attempt the rescue.

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The victims were identified last year as 23-year-old Christopher Lavoie and 55-year-old Regis Lavoie, who were not related. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2024.

The Canadian Press