In a twist befitting a movie plot, two prisoners used a helicopter to escape from Quebec's Saint-Jérôme jail on Sunday afternoon.

According to initial reports, the helicopter hovered over the building until the escapees climbed on board.

The runaways reached a wooded area about 85 kilometres away, in Mont-Tremblant area, before dumping the helicopter. The helicopter been located and its pilot, in an unknown condition, has been taken to the hospital. But the search for the prisoners, and reportedly an accomplice, still continues.

The break out from the facility about 50 kilometres northwest of Montreal took place around 2:30 p.m. EDT, officials have confirmed. But the identities of the two runaways are yet to be revealed.

Radio-Canada reports the search is taking place near Argile Lake. Police have set up a perimetre around the area and are asking for reinforcements from other police forces.

With files from CBC