Two Men Fall Through Ice in Montreal River, One Missing After Rescue
Two young men fell through the ice on the Prairies River in Montreal's Ste-Geneviève district on Thursday afternoon, resulting in one man being hospitalized and another remaining missing. The incident occurred near the Jacques Bizard Bridge, prompting a swift emergency response from local authorities.
Emergency Call and Initial Response
According to Florence Stafford, a spokesperson for the Montreal police, a 911 call was received around 2:35 p.m. reporting two individuals in distress on the river. The two men had ventured onto the ice when it suddenly gave way, causing them to fall into the cold water. Stafford confirmed that the incident appears to be accidental, with no indications of criminal activity at this stage.
Rescue Efforts and Search Operation
One of the men was successfully rescued from the river and transported to a hospital. He was conscious during the journey and is now considered out of danger, according to Stafford. However, the second man remained missing as of Thursday evening, leading to a large-scale search operation involving multiple emergency units.
The Montreal police, in collaboration with the fire department, deployed its water patrol unit and a drone operated by a specialized intervention team. Officers also conducted patrols along the riverbank in an effort to locate the missing individual. Witnesses at the scene are expected to be interviewed as the search continues, with authorities working diligently to gather more information.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
The identities of the men have not yet been confirmed, and the search for the missing person is ongoing. This incident highlights the dangers of venturing onto unstable ice, especially during late winter when conditions can be unpredictable. Emergency services emphasize the importance of exercising caution near frozen bodies of water to prevent similar accidents.
As the community awaits updates, the focus remains on the search efforts and supporting the affected individuals. The Montreal police continue to coordinate the operation, urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
