Two people were killed, and several others were injured during a severe car accident on Saturday afternoon on Route 235, Saint-Hyacinthe. The collision, which occurred at approximately 3:30 PM, involved two vehicles and took place on the slightly curved stretch known as rang Saint-André.
According to early reports from the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), the icy conditions of the roadway may have played a role in the crash. Witnesses indicated the road was slippery, leading to the head-on collision.
Authorities reported five individuals were involved. One vehicle held four occupants, which included two adults and two children, and the other vehicle was driven by a woman who was alone. Tragically, the driver and front-seat passenger of the more crowded vehicle were both pronounced dead at the scene; the driver was confirmed deceased on-site, whereas the passenger, reportedly around her forties, died upon arrival at the hospital.
Among the young travelers, the conditions were dire for one child, who is currently fighting for life and remains under strict medical supervision. The other child and the driver from the second vehicle sustained injuries deemed non-life-threatening and were transported to the hospital for treatment. A spokesperson for the SQ, Audrey-Anne Bilodeau, elaborated on the situation, stating, "The death of the driver was confirmed at the scene, and the death of the front passenger was confirmed at the hospital." This tragic event has left the community shaken.
Following the accident, emergency response teams declared a 'code orange' at the Honoré-Mercier Hospital due to the number of serious injuries. Joëlle Lallier, communications advisor for the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) of Montérégie-Est, indicated, "Unfortunately, one of them died shortly after arrival." The code orange indicates the hospital prepared for multiple incoming patients with serious injuries, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The intense investigation commenced immediately after the collision, with traffic rerouted to allow for re-creation of the accident scene and to understand the factors contributing to this tragic event. Special investigators are focusing on both the condition of the road and the specifics of the vehicles involved to piece together the moments leading up to the incident.
This accident occurs amid discussions around the safety and maintenance of provincial roads, especially during harsh winter conditions. Many locals have raised concerns surrounding road safety, particularly with the fluctuated weather conditions causing icy patches.
A second severe accident took place shortly after the Saint-Hyacinthe incident, this time involving a vehicle and snowplow on rang de l'Arnouche near Saint-Zénon. Emergency teams responded at about 4:30 PM, where they reported the vehicle turned left on an icy incline as the snowplow descended. Consequently, the plow collided with the passenger side of the vehicle.
This vehicle mishap also led to significant injury, with one passenger reportedly sustaining life-threatening wounds, echoing the urgency of safety on icy roads. The local authorities are assisting all affected and are investigating this separate collision thoroughly.
With the rising incidents attributed to unfavorable weather, authorities are emphasizing safe driving practices. Road maintenance crews have been mobilized to clear and salt the roads, but experts and officials are warning drivers to exercise extra caution, especially when roads are reported icy.
This week, it will be pivotal for both the SQ and local government to address the safety protocols for the region. After these tragic events, local families are mourning the losses and hoping for recovery among the injured. The community is left with the haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of driving during winter conditions.
Further updates will be provided as investigations continue and as the community rallies together to support the affected families. The discussions highlight the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures when traversing the treacherous roads during winter storms.
