The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility was having this work carried out near the highway, at kilometer 187, when the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. This drilling work carried out by a subcontractor is used to prepare for future interventions to two structures of the expressway which pass above the railway.
“Intragaz, specialized in this area, was contacted and is on site to carry out an analysis of the situation. We are working with this partner and we are awaiting their recommendations for the future.”
— Roxanne Pellerin, regional spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility
It is still unknown whether it was a pipeline or a gas pocket that was pierced following this drilling work.
It was as a preventative measure that the eastern portion of the highway was closed. A detour route leaves from exit 187 to reach route 138.
Trois-Rivières firefighters as well as officers from the Sûreté du Québec were dispatched to the scene. The incident caused no injuries and did not force any evacuations.
The closure of Highway 40 at this time of day may complicate the lives of users who will have to be patient with the situation.
The time for the reopening of this section of Highway 40 is still unknown.
Canada
