A major multi-vehicle pileup occurred on the Autoroute 20 near Drummondville, Quebec, on Sunday afternoon, involving approximately 15 to 20 vehicles, which included several heavy trucks. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, according to the Sûreté du Québec.
The accident unfolded around 2:15 PM at kilometer 182 of the highway, as vehicles collided at low speed due to treacherous winter conditions. "Heureusement, personne n’est blessé dans cet événement," stated Élizabeth Guy-Marquis from the Sûreté du Québec, highlighting the luck surrounding the incident.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic yet oddly spaced, with numerous damaged cars scattered along the highway. Resident Hugues Chamberland, who witnessed the aftermath, noted, "Il y avait de la voiture abimée beaucoup, mais curieusement, assez distancées," indicating the vehicles were not piled closely together, which might have mitigated potential injuries.
The multi-vehicle collision prompted response teams from local firefighters, as well as ambulance services, who arrived as a precautionary measure. Drummondville firefighters were deployed to assist with the situation, emphasizing the preparedness of the local emergency services during severe winter weather.
The challenging conditions, characterized by heavy snowfall and strong winds, were likely contributing factors to the incident. The Sûreté du Québec and the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) acted swiftly to close the highway to facilitate clean-up operations. The closure of Autoroute 20 has resulted in significant detours for motorists, with traffic rerouted via local roads.
According to the latest reports from the Sûreté du Québec, the investigation revealed the initial collisions triggered subsequent chain reactions involving various vehicles. "Pour le moment, aucune personne n’aurait été gravement blessée," confirmed officer Guy, stressing the relatively fortunate outcome amid such mayhem.
A rare blizzard warning had been issued for the area, making travel particularly risky on Sunday. The meteorological conditions were severe enough to raise concerns about road safety, with many transportation experts advising against non-essential travel. The public was counseled, "C’est important d’adapter sa conduite aux conditions routières et de conserver une distance sécuritaire," reinforcing the need for extra caution during such treacherous weather conditions.
Efforts to clear the wreckage are expected to take several hours, with tow trucks from the region assisting local authorities. The focus remains on ensuring safety for motorists and facilitating the efficient removal of damaged vehicles from the roadway. Authorities are working diligently to minimize disruption and restore regular traffic flow as soon as possible.
Motorists who found themselves stranded by the incident have been provided temporary shelter, ensuring their comfort during the cold conditions until the situation stabilizes. Volunteer groups are also on-site, offering hot beverages and warm shelter to those affected, underlining the community spirit and resilience.
With travel disruptions expected to persist potentially until evening, as crews continue their work, officials urge drivers to remain patient and adhere to traffic advisories. Maintaining safe distances and avoiding unnecessary trips are continually emphasized as snow continues to impact the region.
Authorities remind everyone to stay tuned for updates as they monitor the situation closely and work toward reopening the highway. For now, it is clear: the unpredictable nature of winter weather severely tested the preparedness of both motorists and emergency services.