Quebec man recounts rescue attempt in propane explosion that left workers missing

By The Canadian Press on January 14, 2023.

SAINT-ROCH-DE-L’ACHIGAN, Que. – A man who witnessed an explosion at a Quebec propane distribution company north of Montreal says he rushed to the site and attempted to save a woman in distress.

Éric Lizotte, who lives 400 meters away from Propane Lafortune located in St-Roch-de-l’Achigan, Que. says he wanted to help potential survivors after witnessing the explosion on Thursday morning.

He says he saw a woman pushing off debris and desperately trying to escape, but part of the ceiling and a wall collapsed on her while he was still trying to reach her.

Two employees and a subcontractor are still missing as provincial police continue to investigate with the help of police arson technicians. Hydro-Québec is also assisting in the investigation.

Police do not believe the explosion was a criminal act but have not established what caused it.

Lizotte describes his rescue attempt as a traumatic experience, adding he will be consulting his doctor next week.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 14, 2023.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

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