2 people killed in crash in Ottawa's east end
Ottawa police say there are indications speed and alcohol are factors in a fiery two-vehicle crash in Ottawa's east end that left two men dead and a woman in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Emergency crews responded to a crash at the intersection of St. Laurent Boulevard and Montreal Road at 12:25 a.m. Wednesday. Ottawa police say one vehicle was travelling northbound on St. Laurent Boulevard and the second vehicle was heading westbound on Montreal Road.
Vojka Orsag says she heard a loud bang overnight.
"I go on the balcony, I see a big fire there and a lot of policemen from all over the place coming," Orsag told CTV News Ottawa.
Ottawa fire says initial reports indicated that one vehicle struck a pole and was on fire.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, crews confirmed both vehicles involved in the crash were on fire. One vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, while the other had a fire in the engine compartment and the driver was trapped inside, according to Ottawa fire.
An Ottawa fire spokesperson says firefighters extinguished the fires, and crews extricated the driver of one of the vehicles from the wreckage, and transferred them into the care of paramedics.
Ottawa paramedics tell CTV News Ottawa two adults were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims have been identified as a 41-year-old man and a 44-year-old man.
A woman in her 30s driving the second vehicle was transported to hospital in critical condition.
Ottawa police say there are indications that speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
"The investigation is currently ongoing, but the early indication seems to believe that the vehicle travelling northbound (on St. Laurent) did pass through a red light," Insp. Scott Pettis said Wednesday.
Social media videos taken shortly after the crash showed one vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Photos from the scene Wednesday morning showed two badly damaged vehicles at the intersection and a damaged traffic light pole.
Alyssa Carroll McEwan described the moments before calling 911, when she saw two vehicles collide into each other.
"It was very hectic," she says. "And I'm just praying for the two families in the other car invovled as well."
The Ottawa Police Service Collision Fatal Collision Investigation Unit would like to speak with any witnesses to the crash or anyone who may have dashcam footage of the incident. You can contact the Ottawa Police Service Fatal Collision Investigation Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2345.
St. Laurent Boulevard was closed from Clarke Avenue to Dunbarton Court and Montreal Road was closed from Eglise Street to the Aviation Parkway for 13 hours due to the investigation. The roads reopened at 1:30 p.m.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Jackie Perez
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mark Carney reaches out to dozens of Liberal MPs ahead of potential leadership campaign
Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, is actively considering running in a potential Liberal party leadership race should Justin Trudeau resign, sources tell CTV News.
'I gave them a call, they didn't pick up': Canadian furniture store appears to have gone out of business
Canadian furniture company Wazo Furniture, which has locations in Toronto and Montreal, appears to have gone out of business. CTV News Toronto has been hearing from customers who were shocked to find out after paying in advance for orders over the past few months.
WATCH
WATCH Woman critically injured in explosive Ottawa crash caught on camera
Dashcam footage sent to CTV News shows a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction before striking and damaging a hydro pole.
A year after his son overdosed, a Montreal father feels more prevention work is needed
New data shows opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations are down in Canada, but provincial data paints a different picture. In Quebec, drug related deaths jumped 30 per cent in the first half of 2024, according to the public health institute (INSPQ).
Rideau Canal Skateway opening 'looking very positive'
As the first cold snap of 2025 settles in across Ottawa, there is optimism that the Rideau Canal Skateway will be able to open soon.
Much of Canada is under a weather alert this weekend: here's what to know
From snow, to high winds, to extreme cold, much of Canada is under a severe weather alert this weekend. Here's what to expect in your region.
Jimmy Carter's funeral begins by tracing 100 years from rural Georgia to the world stage
Jimmy Carter 's extended public farewell began Saturday in Georgia, with the 39th U.S. president’s flag-draped casket tracing his long arc from the Depression-era South and family farming business to the pinnacle of American political power and decades as a global humanitarian.
'A really powerful day': Commemorating National Ribbon Skirt Day in Winnipeg
Dozens donned colourful fabrics and patterns Saturday in honour of the third-annual National Ribbon Skirt Day celebrated across the country.
Jeff Baena, writer, director and husband of Aubrey Plaza, dead at 47
Jeff Baena, a writer and director whose credits include 'Life After Beth' and 'The Little Hours,' has died, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
Atlantic
-
‘We’re at a loss’: Salisbury, N.B., says goodbye to volunteer firefighter
Residents from the Town of Salisbury, N.B., lined Main Street Saturday afternoon to say goodbye to Capt. Tim Dryden of Salisbury Fire and Rescue.
-
Man assaulted in Costco parking lot in Moncton, N.B.
The Codiac Regional RCMP are investigating an assault that took place outside a Costco on Granite Drive in Moncton on Friday.
-
Maritime hockey teams go head-to-head in ‘blood feud’ for good cause
Three teams in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) are battling for a cause greater than hockey this January in the Battle of the Bridge – an annual blood donation challenge.
Toronto
-
Police search for suspects after jewelry store robbery at Burlington mall
Police are searching for multiple suspects following a smash-and-grab robbery at a mall jewelry store in Burlington Saturday afternoon.
-
'Ambassadors for their species in the wild': Toronto Zoo loses 2 long-term residents
Toronto Zoo has bid goodbye to two of its long-term residents over the past week.
-
'I gave them a call, they didn't pick up': Canadian furniture store appears to have gone out of business
Canadian furniture company Wazo Furniture, which has locations in Toronto and Montreal, appears to have gone out of business. CTV News Toronto has been hearing from customers who were shocked to find out after paying in advance for orders over the past few months.
Montreal
-
A year after his son overdosed, a Montreal father feels more prevention work is needed
New data shows opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations are down in Canada, but provincial data paints a different picture. In Quebec, drug related deaths jumped 30 per cent in the first half of 2024, according to the public health institute (INSPQ).
-
CTV News Montreal at 6 p.m. for Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025
Watch CTV News Montreal at Six on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 with anchor Matt Grillo.
-
Here are the locations of the latest Quebec measles outbreak
Quebec public health confirmed that officials are monitoring a measles outbreak that began in December in Montreal, Laval and the Laurentians.
Northern Ontario
-
Suspect charged in northern Ont. road rage incident that went viral
A 37-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with a road rage incident last week in Temiskaming Shores.
-
Mark Carney reaches out to dozens of Liberal MPs ahead of potential leadership campaign
Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, is actively considering running in a potential Liberal party leadership race should Justin Trudeau resign, sources tell CTV News.
-
Sault, Ont., man claims Indigenous moose hunting rights without proof, fined $5,500
A hunter from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has been fined for moose hunting without a licence or proper documentation. He claimed Indigenous hunting rights but failed to provide any proof.
Windsor
-
Windsor fighter Randi Field signs to newly established MMA league
After a fight in March 2023, Windsor MMA fighter Randi Field feared a long list of injuries would derail her career.
-
MP Peter Fragiskatos calls on Trudeau to resign
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lost the confidence of another prominent Liberal MP.
-
Windsor Public Library hours changing Sunday
The hours of operation at the Windsor Public Library are changing on Sunday.
London
-
MP Peter Fragiskatos calls on Trudeau to resign
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lost the confidence of another prominent Liberal MP.
-
Poor weather postpones OHL Games in Owen Sound and Barrie
Inclement weather and travel conditions have forced the postponement of two games in the Ontario Hockey League Saturday.
-
Buffalo Bills legend Thurman Thomas among celebrities coming to St. Thomas, Ont.
The annual St. Thomas Sports Sports Spectacular presented by Hydro One has landed another superstar for the annual event later this month.
Kitchener
-
Police urging drivers to stay off the roads in Perth County
The Ontario Provincial Police are asking drivers to think twice before hitting the roads.
-
Three school board trustees call for town hall following director of education's departure
Three Waterloo Region District School Board trustees are joining the call for a town hall after a sudden shake up within the board.
-
Snow squall warnings for southwestern Ontario
Environment Canada says southwestern Ontario could get between 15 and 60 centimetres of snow by Saturday.
Barrie
-
Barrie declares significant weather event
The City of Barrie has declared a significant weather event on Saturday in response to the persistent snowfall in the area.
-
OHL game postponed due to weather
With the City of Barrie under a significant weather event declaration, Saturday evening’s Barrie Colts versus Kingston Frontenacs game at Sadlon Arena has been postponed.
-
‘Serious’ snowmobile crash under investigation
Police are investigating what is being deemed as a ‘serious’ snowmobile crash in Tay Township Saturday afternoon.
Winnipeg
-
'A really powerful day': Commemorating National Ribbon Skirt Day in Winnipeg
Dozens donned colourful fabrics and patterns Saturday in honour of the third-annual National Ribbon Skirt Day celebrated across the country.
-
Vacant apartment building demolished after third fire in 2 years
A vacant three-storey apartment building on Mountain Avenue has been demolished after its third fire since 2023.
-
Manitoba's top baby names for 2024
Manitoba’s top baby names remained mostly unchanged for 2024, though some new contenders made their way into the top 10.
Calgary
-
Community grieves as one at vigil for Calgary double homicide victims
They braved the cold to pay tribute to a Calgary mother of three and her father, killed just days after Christmas.
-
Extreme cold warnings expanded across country; snowfall warnings remain for southern Alberta
A persistent weather pattern is funnelling arctic air across the Prairies, which forced Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to issue extreme cold warnings late Thursday.
-
Threat made to Lethbridge casino deemed to be a ‘swatting’ hoax: police
Investigators with Lethbridge police determined that a threat made to a local casino Thursday night was deemed to be a ‘swatting’ hoax.
Edmonton
-
'Flames were shooting higher than the garage': Block heater cords cause 2 fires in 2 days in Edmonton
Peter Claffey was shocked Thursday morning to find his truck in flames outside his southwest Edmonton home.
-
Health care dominated Alberta lobbying registry in 2024
Health care dominated the lobbying agendas of Alberta’s influencers this year after the provincial government promised to dismantle and decentralize the public health system.
-
Fire breaks out in south Edmonton home
A fire broke out in a south Edmonton home on Saturday afternoon.
Regina
-
Family of man shot by Hamilton police hold vigil and rally in Regina
The family and community of a man shot by police in Hamilton in November continue to seek answers surrounding the circumstances of his death.
-
Regina woman turns to social media to find donor match for kidney transplant
A Regina woman currently waiting for a kidney transplant is now seeking a donor through a social media post.
-
Much of Canada is under a weather alert this weekend: here's what to know
From snow, to high winds, to extreme cold, much of Canada is under a severe weather alert this weekend. Here's what to expect in your region.
Saskatoon
-
Extreme cold warning remains in effect for parts of Saskatchewan
The frigid weather continues to grip Saskatoon and parts of Saskatchewan as the extreme cold warnings are in effect across the prairies.
-
$20k of equipment stolen from rural Sask. Fire hall. And it's not the only one
Rural firehalls surrounding Saskatoon are having to deal with escalating thefts that could put rescue efforts in jeopardy.
-
Two people charged with murder after suspicious death on Sask. First Nation
A man and a woman have been charged with first degree murder after a 24-year-old man died of injuries on Saulteaux First Nation.
Vancouver
-
Body found in burned vehicle in Abbotsford park, police say
Homicide investigators have been called in to probe a suspicious death in Sumas Mountain Regional Park outside Abbotsford, police say.
-
B.C. man ordered to pay damages for smashing Smart car window during road rage incident
A man who smashed the window of a woman’s Smart car during a road rage incident with a former co-worker has been ordered to pay $1,245 in damages by the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal.
-
Vancouver's Bloedel Conservatory welcomes visitors after months-long closure
After closing for just over two months for upgrades, Vancouver’s Bloedel Conservatory re-opened its doors the public Saturday.
Vancouver Island
-
Driver dead after collision with construction vehicle in Saanich, B.C.
A driver is dead after colliding with a construction vehicle in Saanich Friday night.
-
B.C. man ordered to pay damages for smashing Smart car window during road rage incident
A man who smashed the window of a woman’s Smart car during a road rage incident with a former co-worker has been ordered to pay $1,245 in damages by the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal.
-
WestJet denies compensation to Taylor Swift fan after flight cancellation
WestJet has denied compensation to a devout Taylor Swift fan whose cancelled flight triggered a 10-hour drive through the night from Prince George to make the singer's shows in Vancouver last month.
Kelowna
-
Lost skiers rescued off B.C. mountain
Search and rescue volunteers in B.C.’s Okanagan successfully reunited two skiers with their family Friday evening.
-
Charges laid after child porn investigation that 'spanned several different countries,' Kelowna RCMP say
Police in Kelowna say an international investigation has led to child pornography charges against a 46-year-old man.
-
Mounties investigate discovery of 'very small pipe bomb' in Kamloops, B.C.
Mounties are investigating and appealing for witnesses after an explosive device was discovered Wednesday on a beach in Kamloops, B.C.
