30-year-old man electrocuted and killed on the job in Quebec City area

An ambulance in Quebec. FILE (Daniel J. Rowe/CTV News)

A 30-year-old man died on Wednesday evening in the workplace in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, in the Greater Quebec City area.

Initial reports suggest that he was electrocuted.

Quebec City police (SPVQ) report that emergency services were called to the Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures industrial park at around 11:10 p.m., where a man was unconscious inside a commercial building on Amsterdam Street.

“The details received when the call was taken were that a man may have received an electric shock,” said SPVQ spokesperson Constable Laurence Godbout.

Fumoir Grizzly has confirmed the “tragic death” of one of its employees. Its president, Laura Boivin, said by email that the company would cooperate fully with the authorities in charge of the ongoing investigation to understand the circumstances of the accident.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the 30-year-old man was already dead.

The SPVQ, in collaboration with the Coroner's Office, has launched an investigation to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death.

Since the incident is believed to have occurred in the workplace, the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) has also been notified.

“This event has plunged our entire team into grief and shock,” said Boivin. “Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones and his colleagues, with whom we share a deep sorrow at this difficult time.”

The president of Fumoir Grizzly pointed out that support resources, including psychological counselling, have been deployed for all members who feel the need.

“The health and safety of our workers is our priority. We do everything we can to prevent tragedies like this one, including regular training and a rigorous occupational health and safety program,” she said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Jan. 9, 2025.