Two people were killed and one was injured by an accident that occurred on Feb. 3. The crash happened about 500 meters west from Boundary Road on Highway 401 at approximately 6 a.m. A firefighter living in the area told local reporters that he suspected substandard highway maintenance for winter weather may have been a contributing factor in causing the wreck. According to investigators, the crash happened when a 54-year-old man travelling east crashed into a tractor-trailer.
The impact of the collision forced both vehicles onto the median. The 54-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. His 22-year-old passenger was transported to Cornwall Community Hospital for treatment, but personnel were unable to revive him. The 47-year-old driver in the tractor-trailer was taken to hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Local reports claim that traffic authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
The firefighter contends that the condition of the highway and the location are the primary factors in increasing the risk for accidents in the area. He claims to have contacted authorities last year after noticing a decline in the quality of winter maintenance. Local reporters than discovered that there were 17 fewer control units used for winter maintenance last year. The firefighter questions whether enough sand or grit is being used on the section of the highway due to risks created by the degree of the decline in the roadway.
People injured in accidents caused by another party’s negligence may be entitled to recover restitution for any resulting damages. Plaintiffs who can prove that he defendant is culpable for the ensuing injuries are often awarded compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, repair costs or other the hardships caused by car accident.
Source: standard-freeholder.com, “Updated – Two dead in morning crash on Hwy. 401 in Cornwall,” Feb. 3, 2015
