Quebec provincial police were searching an area in Marieville, Que., after two people were killed and another critically injured in a shooting Wednesday evening.

Residents on a rural stretch of road reported hearing gun shots at a scrapyard in the town, about 30 kilometres east of Montreal, shortly before 6 p.m. ET.

Radio-Canada reporter Pascal Robidas, who is at the scene, said that police are searching for a gunman with a high-calibre weapon.

Shortly after the gunshots were reported, police cordoned off a wide perimeter near the corner of Des Trente-six and Branche-du-Rapide roads, with about a dozen squad cars and several ambulances visible behind the police tape.

Members of the police force's tactical and canine units later arrived at the scene, with a group of tactical unit officers seen heading toward the scrapyard.

Sgt. Ronald McInnis of the Sûreté du Québec said late Wednesday police wouldn't comment on the nature of the incident while the operation was underway.