Several motorists were surprised by the weather conditions on Wednesday morning, causing major pileups that forced the closure of the section of road involved in Lévis.
• Read also: Highway 20 westbound: Mother Nature wreaks havoc on the roads
A first incident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. on Highway 20 West, near Avenue Taniata (km 318). But two other major collisions took place a few kilometers away on this same road.
Photo QMI Agency, Marc Vallières
According to our information, there would be a few dozen cars involved, as well as a few heavy vehicles. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ), the emergency services and the Ministry of Transport (MTQ) went to the site to assess the damage.
Highway 20 is therefore closed to traffic between km 314 and km 330 for an indefinite period, to allow the authorities to carry out their work.
Photo QMI Agency, René Leclerc
At Chemin des Îles, the towing operation was still in progress for a dozen vehicles around 1:30 p.m. Two trucks, including a semi-trailer, also collided at this location, requiring the intervention of a larger tow truck.
The Sûreté du Québec is diverting traffic from the Lallemand road, from where there was a traffic jam of about 1.5 kilometers at the Passage du Journal. Traffic is being redirected to the municipal network, in particular to Boulevard Guillaume-Couture where the situation is likely to be very complicated along the entire length during the afternoon.
And even if the traffic continues in an easterly direction, the conditions remain hazardous as the strong winds cause blowing snow and the roadway remains icy in places.
Minor injuries
“Fortunately, there are no serious injuries and no one is incarcerated. We will have to tow a dozen vehicles, including two heavy trucks, said Patrick Vallières, of the Lévis Fire Department.
The Sûreté du Québec nevertheless indicated that two ambulances were sent to the scene to take care of several minor injuries.
- Listen to TVA Nouvelles journalist José Laganière with Benoit Dutrizac on QUB Radio:
Our information also indicates that a bus from the Société de transport de Lévis (STL) transported some of them to the Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis.
Photo QMI Agency, Marc Vallières
“It’s slippery, we’re on the ice. The worst part is that it’s windy. Me, I was lucky, I was caught in the pileup, but I did not touch anyone, ”said a trucker met by TVA Nouvelles.
Photo QMI Agency, Marc Vallières
Prudence
The authorities are asking the population to be extra careful on the roads and to postpone their movement if possible.
Photo QMI Agency, Marc Vallières
“The road conditions are difficult today due to the cold, which reduces grip, and the precipitation, which reduces visibility,” said MTQ spokesperson Émilie Lord.
Photo QMI Agency, Marc Vallières
It reminds that it is necessary in particular to keep a greater distance with the vehicle in front, to slow down and to turn on the headlights manually to remain visible.
Photo QMI Agency, Marc Vallières
– With the collaboration of Pierre-Paul Biron