Troubles abound on Canada's highways during massive blizzard
People all over the Canadian Shield have spent the past 48 hours dealing with what has been the worst storm of the winter for most parts of the region. That challenge has been especially thorny on a pair of Ontario and Quebec highways, where serious driving-related incidents occurred.
In Ontario that incident took the form of crashes that inadvertently caused a chemical spill. The crashes took place on the 401 Highway near Cornwall. According to an Ontario Provincial Police constable, the first collision took place at 2 p.m. and involved five tractor trailers and a car. Taking place about a km away, the second one involved seven tractor trailers and three vehicles.
Within that set of automobiles was the truck carrying hazardous materials. Tragically the driver of that truck was killed by the crash, while 28 others were injured as a result of the two incidents. That stretch of the 401 still remained closed Wednesday morning.
Quebec's problems stemmed from a stoppage that took place just outside the city of Montreal. Highway 13, which is one of the major arteries that leads onto the island metropolis, was blocked for numerous hours because of a truck that went off track during the storm. It left people stranded in approximately 300 vehicles. Despite unfolding early on Tuesday evening, the traffic clog lasted until after 4 a.m. this morning.
Many drivers were forced to temporarily leave behind their cars for all sorts of reasons. Aside from the fact that gas and batteries were drained during the exhausting wait, some had medical issues or other necessities that forced their hand. One type 1 diabetes patient had to abandon his car so he could walk 20 minutes to his office and stay there for the night. The necessary decision left him with a $218 towing feel for his vehicle.
Montreal mayor Denis Coderre admitted that the response to the storm was "lacking coordination." He added that, "We have to take the lessons from this situation and do better—much better—next time."