Video: Car Collision on Bridge Lands Driver on Gatineau River Ice

A dramatic incident occurred on the morning of Sunday, January 15, 2023, when a vehicle ended up on the ice of the Gatineau River. The accident took place on the Draveurs Bridge. At around 8 a.m., a driver collided with another car ahead, losing control of their vehicle.

Details of the Accident

The vehicle careened off to the right side of the roadway. Due to an accumulation of snow, it was propelled over the guardrail and landed on the ice below. Fortunately, the thickness of the ice prevented it from cracking under the vehicle’s weight.

Driver’s Condition

• The driver managed to exit the vehicle safely.
• He walked to the shore and sustained only minor injuries.

Historical Context

This incident is reminiscent of a similar accident that occurred nearly 40 years ago. On January 15, 1988, two vehicles were also thrown off the Draveurs Bridge under comparable circumstances. Monique Boudrias, who experienced that earlier crash, shared her story of losing control due to slippery conditions caused by snow accumulation on the bridge.

Concerns Over Road Maintenance

Boudrias criticized the government’s snow removal efforts, asserting that accumulated snow creates a dangerous ramp. She stated, “The snow left on the bridge hardens and makes a launch ramp.” This echoes the ongoing concerns regarding road safety during winter conditions.

Response from Authorities

Since the recent incident, surveillance footage from Caméra de Nuit confirmed that the Ministry of Transportation has conducted snow removal at the edges of Draveurs Bridge. However, the Ministry maintains that the roadway was clear and dry at the time of the accident, and operations had been carried out as scheduled.

• The Ministry stated that the bridge edges were cleared the night before.
• An investigation by the Sûreté du Québec is underway, but details about citations remain undisclosed.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges related to winter road maintenance and the potential dangers on bridges during snowy conditions, prompting calls for improved oversight and action. For further updates, continue following El-Balad.