A major search and rescue operation is active in Quebec after a tractor broke through ice and sank into a lake on Christmas Day, leaving two people missing.
Emergency Response Launched on Christmas
The incident occurred on December 25, 2025, prompting an immediate response from the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), the provincial police force. According to initial reports, the agricultural vehicle was on a frozen lake when the ice gave way, causing it to sink.
Authorities have not released the identities of the two missing individuals as the search continues. The precise location of the lake has not been officially disclosed in early reports, but the SQ has confirmed the operation is underway in the province.
Challenging Conditions for Rescuers
Search teams are facing difficult winter conditions as they work to locate the missing persons and the submerged tractor. The operation involves specialized units trained for cold-water and ice rescues, a dangerous and time-sensitive endeavour.
The accident serves as a stark reminder of the hazards associated with travelling on frozen bodies of water, even with large machinery. Ice thickness and stability can vary dramatically due to currents, temperature shifts, and snow cover.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Warnings
The Sûreté du Québec is leading both the search effort and the subsequent investigation into the circumstances that led to the tractor breaking through the ice. Further details about the events leading up to the accident are expected as the investigation progresses.
While this search unfolds, the incident highlights critical public safety messages regarding winter activities on lakes and rivers. Officials consistently warn the public to check local ice conditions thoroughly and to avoid any vehicle travel on ice unless it has been professionally assessed and deemed safe.
The community awaits further updates from the SQ as the search for the two missing people continues.
