A devastating road accident in Chapais, Nord-du-Québec, has left the community reeling, with five lives tragically lost in the aftermath of a collision on Route 113. The incident, which occurred around 1:15 p.m., has cast a somber shadow over the region, prompting an outpouring of grief and support for the affected families.

According to the Sûreté du Québec, the collision occurred at kilometer 338 of Route 113, a vital artery connecting Chapais to Barrette. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear, but authorities have confirmed that it involved a major collision between two vehicles, resulting in a devastating head-on impact.

Initial reports from the scene paint a grim picture, with one vehicle—a minivan—engulfed in flames after veering off the road into a ditch following the collision with a pickup van. Tragically, three individuals lost their lives in the immediate aftermath of the crash, with the death toll rising to five shortly thereafter.

The affected community, particularly the southernmost Cree community of Waswanipi, situated approximately 90 kilometers west of Chibougamau, is reeling from the loss. With a population of around 1,700 residents, Waswanipi is intimately connected to Route 113, making the tragedy even more poignant for its inhabitants. Four of the victims hailed from this close-knit community, amplifying the sense of loss and sorrow.

In response to the emergency, the Chibougamau hospital mobilized its medical staff, anticipating a surge of injured individuals requiring urgent medical attention. Julie Pelletier, assistant to the president and CEO at the James Bay Regional Health and Social Services Center (CRSSS), expressed condolences to the affected families and praised the swift response of the crisis unit in managing the situation.

As investigations into the accident unfold, authorities have closed Route 113 in both directions indefinitely, underscoring the severity of the incident and the need for thorough examination. The Sûreté du Québec’s team of investigators and reconstructionists will meticulously comb through the scene to determine the cause of the collision and shed light on the tragic events that unfolded.

The Chapais community, no stranger to adversity, stands in solidarity with the families of the victims as they navigate this unimaginable loss. The memory of those who perished in this heartbreaking accident will forever be etched in the hearts of their loved ones and the wider community, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.