Treacherous weather conditions created hazardous driving situations on Montreal's South Shore on the morning of Thursday, January 15, 2026, resulting in multiple collisions along a stretch of Route 132.
Police Respond to Dangerous Road Conditions
The Service de police de l'agglomération de Longueuil (SPAL) was actively responding to several incidents on the major roadway. The difficult weather, which included factors like snow, ice, or poor visibility, significantly reduced traction and driver control, leading to the series of crashes. Authorities have not released specific details on the number of vehicles involved or potential injuries at this early stage, but their presence confirmed the seriousness of the situation.
A Broader Pattern of Severe Weather Across Canada
This incident on Montreal's South Shore is not isolated. The challenging weather event aligns with a pattern of severe conditions affecting various parts of the country on the same day. In Toronto and across the Greater Toronto Area, a significant snowstorm forced the closure of schools, universities, and some childcare centres. Meanwhile, Ottawa was bracing for what was forecasted to be its biggest snowstorm of the season, with predictions of up to 25 centimetres of accumulation.
On the opposite coast, Environment Canada issued warnings of 'dense fog' blanketing British Columbia's South Coast, creating another set of dangerous travel conditions. These concurrent events highlight a widespread day of meteorological challenges for Canadian travellers from coast to coast.
Safety Reminders for Winter Driving
The collisions on Route 132 serve as a critical reminder for drivers to exercise extreme caution during adverse weather. Police and transportation officials consistently advise the following when conditions deteriorate:
- Reduce speed significantly below the posted limit.
- Increase following distance to at least 5-6 seconds behind other vehicles.
- Ensure vehicle lights are on for visibility.
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering maneuvers.
- Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve.
As cleanup and investigation continue on Route 132, commuters are urged to seek alternative routes or delay their trips. The Longueuil police are expected to provide further updates on the collisions and the status of the roadway as their response progresses. This event underscores the immediate and disruptive impact that severe winter weather can have on urban infrastructure and public safety.
