FREDERIC SERRE
The 1019 Report

Sûreté du Québec investigators are looking into why a two-vehicle crash and several near-collisions occurred at a busy intersection along Highway 20 in Île Perrot last week under the eyes of a Transport Quebec employee assigned to supervise the flashing lights at the intersection.

The drama unfolded Aug. 27 at about 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Highway 20 and Perrot Blvd. According to the SQ, a Transport Quebec truck was parked at the intersection while an employee oversaw traffic that was backing up in both directions along Highway 20 because two sets of traffic lights were flashing. The intersection is ordinarily governed by alternating green and red lights.

The SQ was called to the scene after a major traffic jam occurred with several near-collisions were reported and angry motorists yelling at each other. At about 1 p.m., two SUVs collided in the eastbound lanes of the highway, causing extensive damage to the vehicles, but no injuries.

With traffic backed up and motorists’ patience near the cracking point, Transport Quebec returned the traffic lights to alternating green and red lights.