Two people were seriously injured in a head-on collision at the intersection of Leitrim and Hawthorne roads in southeast Ottawa on Monday, according to local paramedics. Both were taken to hospital following the crash, which involved two vehicles.
What we know
Ottawa paramedics confirmed that the collision happened at the intersection of Leitrim and Hawthorne roads, in the city's southeast end. The crash was described as head-on and involved two vehicles. Two people were transported to hospital with serious injuries.
Beyond those details, official information remains limited. Paramedics have not released the ages or identities of those involved, and the exact circumstances that led to the collision have not yet been made public.
A busy southeast corner
The Leitrim and Hawthorne area sits in a fast-growing part of Ottawa, where new residential development in communities like Findlay Creek has steadily increased traffic. The intersection connects commuters moving between suburban neighbourhoods and the wider road network feeding into the rest of the city, making it a familiar route for thousands of Ottawa drivers every day.
Collisions at major suburban intersections are an ongoing concern for residents in this corner of the city, where higher speed limits on connecting roads can make crashes especially severe. A head-on collision, in particular, tends to carry a greater risk of serious injury than other types of crashes.
Why it matters for Ottawa
For people who live and drive in Ottawa's south end, news like this lands close to home. Many residents use Leitrim and Hawthorne roads as part of their daily commute, school run, or trip to the shops, and a serious crash at a known intersection is a stark reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn dangerous.
Road safety remains a recurring topic across Ottawa, with the city continuing to push messaging around safe driving, reduced speeds, and attentiveness behind the wheel. Intersections — where vehicles cross paths and turning movements create conflict points — are among the most common locations for serious collisions.
Stay cautious out there
While the details of this particular crash are still emerging, the outcome is a sobering one: two people seriously hurt and a hospital trip for both. Drivers passing through the Leitrim and Hawthorne area, and southeast Ottawa more broadly, are encouraged to slow down, stay alert, and give themselves plenty of room — especially at busy intersections.
We'll update this story if Ottawa officials or paramedics release additional information about the collision or the condition of those injured.
Source: CBC Ottawa.
