A tragic three-vehicle collision occurred on Route 138 in Portneuf Sur Mer on March 31, 2026, claiming the life of investigator Anaïs Fortin-Cozzens and injuring four others, two of whom are in serious condition.
The incident, which took place at approximately 10 PM ET, has left one individual’s life feared to be in danger. Emergency services responded promptly, but the severity of the injuries has raised concerns within the community.
As a result of the collision, Route 138 is currently closed in both directions for an indeterminate period. This closure is particularly challenging as it occurred on a bridge, leaving no local detour options available for motorists and residents.
The Sûreté du Québec is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Sergeant Hugues Beaulieu, the spokesperson for the organization, noted that the combination of serious injuries and the death of an on-duty investigator makes the investigative mandate both operationally complex and institutionally sensitive.
Officials have urged patience from the public as specialized teams conduct their analysis on-site. They have warned that motorists should expect delays due to the ongoing investigation and the closure of Route 138.
“Expect delays where the Route 138 closure remains in effect and plan for an indeterminate wait while investigators complete their work,” officials stated.
The scene of the collision is constrained, limiting traffic options and complicating the investigation. As investigators work to gather evidence, the community is left in shock over the loss of Anaïs Fortin-Cozzens, a dedicated investigator.
As the investigation continues, it may identify factors that prompt additional emergency-response or safety reviews tied to the location of the bridge collision. The community is mourning the loss and hoping for a swift recovery for those injured.
Details remain unconfirmed as the investigation unfolds, but the impact of this tragic event is already being felt throughout Portneuf Sur Mer.
