OTTAWA – Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) responded to two similar calls for service yesterday (May 27) following two separate incidents involving vehicles and buildings.

OFS personal from Station 13 in Beacon Hill-Cyrville responded to a call involving a person trapped under a vehicle after the vehicle crashed through a garage.

OFS was contacted by Ottawa Police staff at 7:58 p.m. The collision occurred at 650 Ingram Crst. in the Eastvale Park area.

“Early reports from our dispatch peers indicated that a car had reportedly driven through a family’s home, through the garage and into the family room,” OFS public information officer Danielle Cardinal said. “The vehicle was now resting partly on a couch and a portion of the vehicle protruded through a bay window. There was also a person located in the family room and they were now trapped under the vehicle.”

Firefighters quickly dispatched the heavy rescue response and the tools required for a high-level vehicle extrication. Firefighters first cribbed the vehicle to ensure it was secure. Two jacks were used to lift the vehicle and firefighters extricated the person promptly. The patient reportedly had minor injuries and was transported by paramedics as a precaution. The extrication was completed in less than 10 minutes.  

Over in Rideau-Vanier ward, OFS was contacted by Ottawa Police staff at 10:16 a.m. reporting a collision in the area of Nelson Street and Somerset Street East in Sandy Hill. 

“A Bylaw Services Parking Control Officer witnessed the collision and called 911 immediately,” Cardinal said. “Early reports from our dispatch peers indicated that a large vehicle had reportedly driven into a building.  A hydro pole was struck and live hydro wires were also reportedly arcing. Callers did advise there were no visible signs of smoke or flames.”

The first firefighters on scene confirmed that a garbage truck was involved and a multi-unit apartment building at 442 Nelson St. had been heavily damaged by the vehicle. Crews first ensured that no one was trapped inside the vehicle or inside the damaged units. No extrication was required and firefighters assisted a number of students who resided in the 16-unit block.

“Firefighters surveyed the extensive damage sustained,” Cardinal said. “The integrity of the building was a cause for concern and the collapse rescue firefighters were deployed to assist with their specialty tools. Firefighters prepared shoring and cribbing to be deployed should the condition of the building deteriorate. Luckily, no persons were injured in this incident.”