One person is dead and four others were injured when an SUV crashed into a drop-in centre in downtown Ottawa Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at the corner of Rideau and Cobourg streets around 9 a.m., according to Ottawa police.
Police confirmed the fatality late Wednesday morning. Earlier, paramedics had reported a man in his 70s was transported to hospital in critical condition after being struck by the vehicle, but succumbed to his injuries. Two other men were also taken to hospital with critical, but non-life-threatening injuries. A woman was transported in stable condition.
The driver of the SUV was also injured and taken to hospital in stable condition, authorities said.
The crash occurred at the Capital City Mission’s The Drop-In, a centre that provides meals, coffee, and clothing to vulnerable people. The centre opens at 9 a.m. On Wednesdays, according to its website.
“I heard something like ‘boom,’ something crazy. I went outside and saw the car,” said Safouane Elattari, who works at a nearby restaurant.
Ottawa police have not yet determined the cause of the crash and are continuing their investigation. Rideau Street was closed between Augusta and Chapel streets following the incident. The damaged vehicle was towed from the scene around 12:15 p.m.
Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Nick DeFazio stated that the department’s specialized structural collapse team will need to reinforce the building after police complete their investigation at the scene.
Environment Canada had issued a special weather statement for Ottawa at the time of the crash, noting snowy conditions.
