Major Crash Halts Eastbound Hwy. 417, Sending One to Hospital
So here's what happened earlier today in Ottawa—something that brought traffic to a standstill and sent emergency responders rushing to the scene. I'm talking about a serious two-vehicle crash that completely shut down the eastbound lanes of Highway 417 at Metcalfe Street, right in the heart of the city.
It all unfolded just after noon on Thursday, just before the Riverside Drive off-ramp. According to the Ontario Provincial Police, the incident was severe enough that they had to close down all eastbound lanes for more than four hours. One of the drivers involved, a 39-year-old man, was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The other driver, thankfully, wasn't hurt.
Also Read:- Craig Kessler Sets Bold New Tone for LPGA with Trust and Teamwork
- FC Porto Gears Up for Historic Clash with Inter Miami in Club World Cup 2025
Now, this crash caused a massive traffic disruption. If you were on the road anywhere near downtown Ottawa this afternoon, you probably felt it. Constable Michael Fathi from the OPP even posted a video on Facebook advising drivers to find alternate routes. You could feel the urgency—it wasn’t just a minor fender bender. This was something that paralyzed a major artery feeding into the downtown core.
Police are still investigating the cause of the collision, and they’re asking anyone with dashcam footage from around that time and location to contact them directly. If you were driving by, or happened to catch something on your dashcam, don’t hesitate—call 1-888-310-1122.
The good news is that by a little after 4 p.m., all eastbound lanes were reopened. But the ripple effect on traffic lingered well past that, and people were understandably frustrated.
This incident is a sobering reminder of how quickly things can change on the road. One moment you’re cruising down the highway, the next—gridlock, flashing lights, and emergency crews trying to save a life. So if you're heading out, especially on a route like the 417, always keep an eye on traffic updates and drive with caution.
Read More:
0 Comments