Tragic Ottawa Car Crash results in two Fatalities

A catastrophic motor vehicle accident involving a car and a dump truck tragically took the lives of two teen-aged Ottawa girls, Rahema and Elizabeth Musaliwa.  The accident took place on the morning of December 9^th near Mitch Owens Road and Bowesville Road, likely while the girls were on route to a private Christian school in Nepean (CBC News, Dec 9).

The crash is believed to have resulted when one of the vehicles lost control and crashed into the other.  Police officers are continuing to investigate the reason for the crash, but suspect that icy road conditions likely contributed to the collision.

The girls’ mother sustained critical injuries in the crash, and was transported to hospital by air ambulance, and was later reported in serious but stable condition.  The dump truck driver was also injured, but was reported in stable condition at the hospital.

The family immigrated from the Congo to Canada, according to Pastor Raymond Grant, of Bible Way Ministries.  According to CBC News, Pastor Grant stated that the girls were “beautiful to the core” and highly involved in the Christian school that they attended in Nepean.  Pastor Grant commented that this terrible loss comes in the wake of another accident, last year, in which the girls’ brother was seriously injured.

Extreme winter weather and dangerous road conditions hit Ontario early this year and unfortunately, these circumstances put all road users at a higher risk of accidents and injury.  As evidenced in a ‘monster’ multi-vehicle car accident in Montreal on December 5^th, even vehicles that obey all traffic regulations and drive with extreme caution can sometimes fall victim to a car accident, when the roads are extremely icy.  The Montreal crash was particularly note-worthy as it involved a snow plough, multiple cars, two transit buses and a police car.  Likely because all of the vehicles were travelling at a very slow speed, there were no injuries reported. 

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation advises that the three key actions to reduce the chance of crashing in winter weather are:

1. slow down
2. remain alert
3. stay in control

Ontario police have reported that the primary reason for car accidents on winter roads involves people driving too fast for the given road conditions.  When roads are icy or snowy, a safe speed may actually be well bellow the posted speed limit.  Drivers also need to remain alert for icy sections of road ahead, and should steer gently on curves and brake slowly when the roads are slippery.

Extreme weather conditions impacted all of Ontario in the past week and remind us that it’s time to take particular care when driving. The knowledgeable Ottawa Car Accident Lawyers have seen the terrible and life-altering consequences for loved ones and their families, after a family member has sustained serious injuries in a collision.  If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a careless or negligent driving action, call an experienced personal injury lawyer to find out about your legal options and how they can help obtained needed compensation for your losses.

 Sources:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/manotick-station-road-fatal-crash-1.3888861

http://globalnews.ca/news/3107028/montreal-winter-weather-pile-up-bus-car-police/

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/ontario-511/winter-driving-tips.shtml