At least 3 or 4 people are missing in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean after Route 170 collapsed due to torrential rains in Rivière-Éternité. A search is underway to find them.
According to initial information, several segments of Route 170, which connects Saint-Siméon to Saguenay, gave way around 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Rivière-Éternité. At the same time, a tornado warning was in effect for the area.
The municipality is located a few kilometers from the Saguenay River and on the outskirts of the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park. At the height of kilometer 83, 3 vehicles were swept away, explains Sergeant Hugues Beaulieu, spokesman for the Sûreté du Québec (SQ).
A person has since been found and transported to the Chicoutimi hospital. His condition is considered serious.
Between three or four other people are still missing, according to information from the authorities.
The SQ has set up a search structure, including helicopters, a team of divers, and dozens of police officers on the ground to try to locate the victims and support the municipality.
Route 170 is impassable at Rivière-Éternité, confirms Sergeant Beaulieu.
More details to come.