Chemical Leak Prompts Preventive Evacuation at Quebec College

A chemical leak at Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, forced a preventive evacuation late Tuesday morning, October 20, 2026, after a substance escaped from a laboratory. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) reported no injuries at the time of its initial update, while firefighters worked to identify the chemical and authorities restricted access to the surrounding area. The incident also prompted the closure of several nearby streets to motorists.

According to information provided by local authorities, the affected intersections included Avenue Bienville and Rue Sicotte, Avenue Boullé and Boulevard Laurier Ouest, and Rue Guy-Daudelin and Avenue Castelneau. The college suspended classes for the remainder of the day following the incident. The preventive evacuation was intended to protect people at the educational institution while emergency responders investigated the escaped substance.

Valérie Beauchamp, a spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec, said the evacuation was carried out as a precaution. Firefighters at the scene were attempting to determine the identity of the chemical released from the laboratory, she added, as authorities worked to assess the situation.

The substance had not been identified in the initial report from Radio-Canada. No injuries had been reported by the SQ at the time of publication, although the response remained focused on identifying the chemical and managing access to the affected area. The City of Saint-Hyacinthe confirmed that its fire department had responded to the incident. The municipality also stated that responsibility for the case had subsequently been transferred to the Sûreté du Québec.

Road restrictions remained part of the emergency response around the college, affecting traffic at the three identified intersections. The closures were implemented as authorities managed the scene following the laboratory leak.