In a startling incident that shook the usually quiet streets of Orleans yesterday afternoon, four individuals were rushed to hospital following a severe head-on collision at the intersection of Innes Road and Belcourt Boulevard.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene around 3:15 p.m. after multiple calls flooded the dispatch center. Ottawa Paramedic Service reported that two vehicles collided with significant force, resulting in substantial damage to both vehicles and leaving debris scattered across the roadway.
“I heard the crash from inside my shop,” said Marie Leblanc, owner of a nearby convenience store. “The sound was terrible. I ran outside and already people were calling 911 and trying to help.”
According to paramedics on scene, the four individuals sustained various injuries ranging from moderate to serious, though none appeared to be life-threatening. Two adults were transported to The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic Campus with what authorities described as “serious but stable” conditions, while two others were taken to Montfort Hospital with less severe injuries.
Ottawa Police closed the intersection for nearly four hours while collision investigators documented the scene and gathered evidence. Traffic was diverted through residential streets, causing considerable congestion during the evening commute.
Sergeant Jean Tremblay of the Ottawa Police Traffic Unit told me, “We’re still investigating the exact cause, but preliminary evidence suggests one vehicle may have crossed the center line. We’re looking into whether speed, distraction, or other factors may have contributed.”
This marks the third serious collision at this intersection in the past two years, raising concerns among local residents about traffic safety in the growing east-end community.
“Something needs to be done about this crossing,” noted area resident Thomas Wilson, who witnessed the aftermath. “The speed limit is 60, but people regularly do 80 through here. We’ve been asking the city for additional traffic calming measures.”
City Councillor Laura Dudas, who represents the Innes Ward, arrived at the scene and spoke with affected residents. “I share the community’s concerns about this intersection,” she stated. “I’ve requested an urgent safety review from our transportation services department and will be discussing potential solutions with city staff this week.”
According to Ottawa Public Health data, Orleans has seen a 12% increase in traffic-related injuries over the past three years, outpacing population growth in the area.
The collision snarled traffic throughout Orleans, with ripple effects felt along Highway 174 and surrounding arterial roads. Many commuters reported delays of 30 to 45 minutes during the evening rush hour.
Orleans resident Jennifer Ahmed, who was caught in the resulting traffic, expressed a sentiment shared by many: “Of course my first thought is for those injured, but this also highlights how fragile our traffic network is out here. When one major intersection closes, everything backs up.”
Ottawa Police are asking any witnesses to the collision to contact their collision investigation unit. They’re particularly interested in any dashboard camera footage that may have captured the incident or the moments leading up to it.
As cleanup crews worked to clear the scene, the incident served as a stark reminder of how quickly ordinary days can turn tragic on our roadways. With winter conditions approaching, Ottawa Police are urging drivers to exercise additional caution, maintain appropriate speeds, and eliminate distractions while driving.
For Orleans residents, yesterday’s collision has renewed calls for a comprehensive traffic safety review in a community that continues to grow rapidly while infrastructure struggles to keep pace.
While the physical wounds will heal for those involved in yesterday’s collision, the conversation about road safety in Orleans is just beginning.
