Whiteout conditions settled in across the capital Thursday afternoon, causing havoc as drivers battled poor visibility and slick roads extending from Kanata to Orleans.

A 13-year-old boy is fighting for his life in hospital after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the intersection of Walkley Road and Cedarwood Drive near Heron Gate Mall.

Ottawa paramedics say the boy was unconscious when they arrived at the scene at about 3 p.m.

He was rushed to hospital with a life-threatening head injury and did not regain consciousness upon arrival. He’s currently listed in critical condition.

Police closed Walkley Road in both directions between Cedarwood Drive and Heatherington Road for several hours. The road reopened at about 8:40 p.m.

Vehicle crashes into restuarant

Police say there were nearly 20 crashes reported in a 90-minute span.

In Vanier, a vehicle crashed into the building of a popular restaurant in the 100 block of Montreal Road.

An employee at the Vanier Grill told CTV Ottawa the crash happened after an apparent collision at a nearby intersection, sending two vehicles towards the restaurant.

One vehicle crashed into the building, the other rested near the building.

No injuries were reported. However, one of the vehicles came close to going through the window.

Poor driving conditions

Meanwhile, emergency crews also responded to two separate collisions involving five cars in Ottawa’s southwest end.

Police were called to Greenbank and Hunt Club Roads shortly before 2:30 p.m. to assess a two- and three-vehicle collision.

Police say the road conditions were bad in the area, with near- or zero-visibility. Officers on the scene told CTV Ottawa the drivers involved in both crashes were driving slow at the time, travelling about 10 kilometres per hour.

Two of the drivers were sent to hospital to be checked for minor injuries. Police said this is done as a precaution whenever a vehicle’s airbag gets employed.

Drive slow

Meanwhile, Ottawa police are reminding drivers to make sure they drive with caution.

Police say weather doesn’t cause collisions. Rather, collisions are caused by failing to drive according to the road conditions.

Police offer the following tips:

  • Slow down
  • Give yourself plenty of room to stop when approaching an intersection
  • Leave plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you
  • Plan your trip and make sure you have plenty of time to make it to scheduled appointments