Three lives lost on Rolland-Cloutier Boulevard
Three people, including a child, died after a head-on collision Friday afternoon in the municipality of Lantier in the Laurentians, just over 40 kilometres northeast of Mont-Tremblant, according to the Sûreté du Québec (SQ). Police say the crash happened shortly after 4 p.m. at the intersection of Rolland-Cloutier Boulevard and Lac Dufresne Road.
Investigators said a vehicle travelling north attempted a pass to the left to get around another vehicle that was turning right. During that manoeuvre, the northbound vehicle collided head-on with a southbound car. Inside the southbound vehicle were a man and a woman in their thirties and a child under the age of 10. All three were rushed to hospital with critical injuries and later died. The driver of the northbound vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Investigation underway
The SQ has opened an investigation to determine the full sequence of events and contributing factors at the rural intersection. Police did not immediately release the identities of the victims. As of Saturday, authorities said the inquiry continues. No charges have been announced.
Police provided an initial description of the events, noting the attempted pass by the northbound driver ahead of the impact. The agency did not specify weather or road conditions at the time. In similar collisions, investigators typically examine driver behaviour, visibility, traffic flow, and any mechanical issues, along with the positioning of vehicles and evidence left on the roadway, to reconstruct what happened. The SQ has not yet shared those technical findings in this case.
Community impact and road safety reminders
Lantier is a small Laurentians community, where many residents and visitors use regional routes to access lakes and cottages through the summer. A fatal collision at a key local intersection reverberates quickly in such areas, disrupting families and first responders alike. While every investigation is specific, the core message to motorists remains constant during peak travel periods: reduce risks and give yourself time and space to react.
- Allow extra following distance, especially near intersections and when other vehicles are signalling turns.
- Avoid passing unless you have full visibility and sufficient clear distance in the oncoming lane.
- Keep speeds in check and eliminate distractions, particularly on undivided regional roads.
What police have confirmed
| Location | Lantier (Laurentians), Rolland-Cloutier Blvd. at Lac Dufresne Rd. |
|---|---|
| Time | Shortly after 4 p.m. Friday |
| Vehicles | Northbound vehicle attempting a pass; southbound vehicle struck head-on |
| Fatalities | Man and woman in their 30s; child under 10 (from the struck vehicle) |
| Injuries | Driver of northbound vehicle, non-life-threatening |
| Status | Sûreté du Québec investigation ongoing |
Authorities have not indicated how long the collision scene remained closed on Friday, nor have they shared details about any detours. Residents and travellers in the Laurentians should plan for delays when serious crashes occur as investigators document the scene and towing crews clear the roadway.
Authorities urge patience and caution
Quebec police routinely emphasize that head-on collisions on two-lane roads are often severe due to combined speeds and limited separation between directions of travel. Intersections add complexity, with turning traffic, changing sightlines, and sudden speed adjustments. The preliminary account provided by the SQ highlights the risks that come with passing near an intersection where another vehicle is turning.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage related to the crash is encouraged to contact the Sûreté du Québec as the investigation proceeds.
