A multiple-vehicle collision unfolded on Autoroute 30 near Brossard during peak hours on Friday afternoon, leading to significant disruptions and injuries. The crash involved seven vehicles, including a heavy truck, which collided with cars when it failed to stop amid slow traffic.
According to the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), the incident occurred around 2 PM at kilometer 68, just before the exit for Autoroute 10. During the crash, two individuals sustained minor injuries, and another was transported to the hospital suffering from shock.
The heavy truck, which was carrying grain, lost part of its cargo, complicate the cleanup efforts on the busy highway. The crash resulted in the complete closure of the eastbound lanes of Autoroute 30, creating immense traffic congestion, especially frustrating for commuters during rush hour.
Photos taken by local media displayed emergency crews working diligently on-site, with tow trucks active to clear the wreckage and reopen the thoroughfare. "The highway is now closed at the area of the incident, with all eastbound traffic diverted as cleanup operations began," reported TVA Nouvelles.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, noting how quickly the situation escalated as the heavy truck unexpectedly struck the cars before it. Authorities have initiated an investigation, with preliminary indications pointing to sudden slowdowns and the truck driver’s inability to halt his vehicle timely.
Road users can stay updated on highway conditions through local updates. By 3:40 PM, towing operations were underway, and at least one lane was reported to have reopened, offering some respite to the previously immobilized traffic.
Along with the injuries, the accident also raised concerns about road safety as more drivers take to the highways daily. The closure of Autoroute 30 caused extensive delays, leading local commuters to seek alternate routes as they navigated their way through the congested areas surrounding the DIX30 shopping district.
By 3:45 PM, Quebec 511 confirmed the reopening of one lane to traffic, though eastbound access remained limited. Fortunately, reports later confirmed the serious injury to one motorist—who had suffered head injuries—was not life-threatening. Emergency services were praised for their swift response, easing some concerns among the affected onlookers and motorists.
Local government officials and road safety advocates are expected to discuss potential safety measures following this incident to promote safe driving habits and possibly explore wider infrastructural enhancements at problematic junctions.
Details surrounding the accident are still being verified, and authorities have promised to update the public with more information as it becomes available. The investigation continues as the SQ assesses the factors leading to this significant collision on one of the region's busiest highways.