Advertisement

Man dies in hospital after seaplane crashes into Quebec river, police say

A Surete du Quebec police car is seen in Montreal on July 22, 2020. A crime victims advocacy group is expressing concern after a Quebec man was granted a conditional discharge last month after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a woman as she slept.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson. pch

A 63-year-old man was killed in a plane crash in the Shawinigan region about 150 kilometres northeast of Montreal on Sunday afternoon.

The Sûreté du Québec say the seaplane was seen falling over the St-Maurice river in Mauricie before crashing around 3:45 p.m.

Several hydro lines were damaged leaving more than 5,000 residents without power in the afternoon.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

It’s unclear why the pilot lost control of the aircraft but mechanical failure is a possible cause.

Police searched the crash site for other passengers but concluded 63-year-old Rene Martel was likely alone aboard the plane.

He was pulled from the plane and taken to hospital where he was declared dead.

Story continues below advertisement

Witnesses report hearing a loud explosion immediately following the crash.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances.

Sponsored content

AdChoices