Two young men from Punjab lost their lives in a tragic drowning incident at the Lachine Canal in Montreal, Canada, over the weekend. The accident occurred when one of them slipped and fell into the water, and the other drowned while attempting to rescue his friend.
Victims Identified
The victims have been identified as 26-year-old Lovepreet Singh from Tapa Mandi in Punjab's Barnala district and another youth believed to be from Butala village in Amritsar district. The identity of the second victim has not yet been officially confirmed by authorities.
Rescue Operation
Emergency services, including the Montreal Fire Department and the Canadian Coast Guard, launched an extensive rescue operation. The initial emergency call was received at 11:55 p.m. on Saturday, reporting that two individuals had fallen into the Lachine Canal near its junction with the Saint Lawrence River in Lachine.
After nearly two hours of intensive searching, firefighters located and recovered both victims. Approximately 20 to 30 emergency responders participated in the operation, which involved two Montreal Fire Department boats and a Canadian Coast Guard vessel. Rescue teams used sonar equipment to locate the victims before bringing them ashore and transporting them to hospital.
Confirmation of Deaths
The Quebec Coroner's Office confirmed on Monday that both men had succumbed to their injuries. They had been hospitalised in critical condition after being pulled from the water.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities said the exact circumstances leading to the drownings remain under investigation. According to preliminary information, one person fell into the canal and the second entered the water in an attempt to save him.
The deaths mark the 24th and 25th drownings in Quebec this year, according to officials.
Family Appeals for Repatriation
The families of the deceased are now appealing to the government for assistance in repatriating the bodies to Punjab for their last rites.
