LAVAL, Quebec — A chaotic multi-vehicle collision on Route 335 left nine people injured, including a nine-month-old infant, as slippery winter roads turned a routine evening commute into a scene of emergency response Monday night.
The incident unfolded around 7:30 p.m. when a northbound driver lost control of their vehicle approximately one kilometer north of Dagenais Boulevard, according to Laval police. The out-of-control car slammed into three other vehicles traveling in both northbound and southbound lanes, creating a pileup that snarled traffic and drew a swift response from first responders.
Among the victims were individuals ranging in age from the infant to a 58-year-old adult, Laval police reported. All nine occupants from the four vehicles were transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries that varied in severity. Some of those injuries were described by authorities as serious, though specific medical details were not immediately released pending further evaluation.
Laval police spokesperson confirmed that emergency crews arrived promptly at the scene, where they worked to extricate those trapped and provide on-site care amid the winter chill. The highway, a key artery connecting Laval to surrounding areas in the Greater Montreal region, was partially closed for several hours as investigators documented the wreckage and cleared debris.
Investigators suspect that snow-covered road conditions contributed to the crash, though the exact cause remains under review as of Tuesday morning. Route 335, known for its heavy traffic volume especially during rush hours, has seen its share of weather-related incidents this season, with Quebec's transportation ministry reporting increased patrols in response to recent storms.
The primary source of the trouble appears to have been the initial driver's loss of control, police said. Witnesses described a harrowing moment when the vehicle fishtailed on the icy surface before veering across lanes. "It happened so fast," one motorist who stopped to assist told reporters at the scene, though official statements emphasized the role of environmental factors over driver error at this stage.
This pileup comes amid a broader pattern of winter driving hazards in the province. According to Quebec provincial police statistics, collisions involving slippery roads have risen by about 15 percent compared to last year, attributed to fluctuating temperatures and heavier-than-average snowfall. Local officials have urged drivers to equip vehicles with winter tires and reduce speeds in adverse conditions.
In the immediate aftermath, the Laval fire department deployed multiple units to manage potential hazards like fuel leaks from the damaged cars. Paramedics treated several victims on the spot before ambulance transport, prioritizing the youngest and most vulnerable. The infant, secured in a car seat, was among those rushed to a pediatric facility, though updates on their condition were not available late Monday.
"The collision remained under investigation Tuesday morning, although investigators suspect snow-covered road conditions may have played a role in the incident," Laval police stated in a release.
Route 335 stretches through industrial and residential zones of Laval, a suburb of Montreal with a population exceeding 400,000. The roadway's design, with its mix of straightaways and curves, can become treacherous when untreated after snowfalls. Just last month, a similar incident on the same route injured four people, prompting calls from community leaders for enhanced salting and plowing operations.
Transportation experts note that such accidents often highlight the challenges of maintaining infrastructure during Quebec's harsh winters. The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has launched awareness campaigns this year, emphasizing the importance of cautious driving. "Snow and ice reduce traction dramatically; even experienced drivers can be caught off guard," said a representative from the SAAQ in a recent public service announcement.
As the investigation continues, Laval authorities are reviewing dashcam footage and interviewing those involved. No charges have been filed yet, and police have not named the drivers or released vehicle details to respect privacy protocols. The focus remains on piecing together the sequence of events to prevent future occurrences.
Beyond the immediate injuries, the crash underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in urban corridors like Laval. With holiday travel peaking, officials from the Quebec Ministry of Transport are coordinating with local police to monitor high-risk areas. Enhanced signage and variable speed limits have been implemented on Route 335 since early December, but Tuesday's inquiry will likely inform further adjustments.
Community response has been one of solidarity, with residents sharing messages of support on social media for the affected families. Local hospitals, including the Cité-de-la-Santé in Laval, reported handling the influx without overwhelming capacity, a testament to the region's prepared emergency network. As snow continues to fall intermittently, drivers are advised to check weather updates and allow extra travel time.
Looking ahead, the Laval police investigation could take several weeks, involving forensic analysis of skid marks and vehicle mechanics. If weather is confirmed as a primary factor, it may bolster arguments for increased funding in winter maintenance budgets, a topic debated in provincial assemblies. For now, the nine injured serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter roads in this part of Canada.
In a statement released Tuesday, city officials expressed relief that the toll was not higher and committed to supporting recovery efforts. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time," Mayor Stéphane Boyer said. As Laval braces for more wintry weather, the hope is that lessons from this pileup will help keep the roads safer for all.