Ottawa firefighters executed a successful rescue operation on Sunday morning, freeing two drivers who were trapped in their vehicles following a serious head-on collision.
Early Morning Crash on Prince of Wales
The incident occurred on January 11, 2026, when emergency crews were dispatched at 8:51 a.m. to the 2200 block of Prince of Wales Drive. Reports indicated a two-vehicle, head-on collision with occupants trapped inside their cars.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a scene of significant damage. The two involved vehicles were found approximately 50 metres apart, both showing extensive deformation from the force of the impact. It was immediately confirmed that both drivers were pinned within their wrecked cars, requiring specialized rescue techniques.
A Coordinated and Technical Rescue Effort
Ensuring scene safety was the first priority. "As a precaution, crews advanced a hose line and worked alongside Ottawa Police as the roadway was shut down to allow safe operations," stated the Ottawa Fire Service. With the road closed and hazards mitigated, crews stabilized the vehicles to prevent any movement during the rescue.
Firefighters then began simultaneous extrication efforts on both drivers. Using advanced hydraulic rescue tools, commonly known as the "Jaws of Life," crews managed to free the first driver by 9:05 a.m., just 14 minutes after arriving on scene.
The second driver required a more complex procedure. Fifteen minutes later, at 9:20 a.m., this individual was finally freed. The rescue involved removing the driver's side door and performing a "dash roll"—a precise technique where the vehicle's dashboard is lifted and pivoted away from the driver's legs to create a safe exit path.
Scene Secured, Conditions Unknown
Following the successful rescues, firefighters de-energized both vehicles as a standard safety protocol before clearing the scene. The Ottawa Fire Service has not released the names of the drivers involved.
There was no immediate word on the condition of the two drivers following the extrication. Paramedics on scene provided initial care and transported the patients to hospital for further treatment. The cause of the head-on collision remains under investigation by the Ottawa Police Service.
