(Quebec) A major collision involving a passenger bus and a car injured at least twenty people on Tuesday evening on Route 132, near the municipality of Saint-Fabien in Bas-Saint-Laurent. We fear for the life of the occupant of the vehicle, who was alone on board, according to the Sûreté du Québec.
For some unexplained reason, the bus, which was traveling westbound, and a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction collided around 5:15 p.m. The two vehicles ended up in the ditch.
The occupant of the vehicle suffered serious injuries and there are currently fears for his life, Sergeant Claude Doiron said.
The bus was carrying about 40 passengers, half of whom suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious. However, there is no fear for the life of any passenger.
The victims with serious injuries were taken by ambulance to the Rimouski hospital. About twenty others, whose condition is more stable, should also be transported to the health establishment. The other bus passengers are taken to the Saint-Fabien arena where they will be assessed by medical personnel.
“We have triggered a Code Orange, which means the massive arrival of injured people,” confirmed to The Press, the spokesperson for the CISSS du Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gilles Turmel. “All the specialists and staff are in place ready to welcome them. Staff from other areas of the hospital could also be used,” he added.
The CISSS will also deploy staff to the Saint-Fabien arena to provide psychological support to travelers in shock.
Route 132 has been closed in both directions. A bypass in the municipality of Saint-Fabien has been set up for vehicles only.