One dead, another seriously injured in Vanier barber shop collision involving city employee

A collision on McArthur Avenue in Vanier Tuesday afternoon left one man dead and another with serious injuries after an SUV backed into CuTzz Barber Salon.

Emergency crews responded around 5:40 p.m. The 30-year-old man who was inside the shop died from injuries sustained in the crash. A 32-year-old man also struck in the collision was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A 57-year-old woman was driving the vehicle and faces impaired driving-related charges. She was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

The City of Ottawa confirmed an off-duty city employee was involved in the collision but did not specify the employee's role or how they were involved. Clara Freire, general manager of the city's community and social services department, stated: "The matter is currently under police investigation, and the city is fully co-operating with the authorities. The employee is not actively at work while the city awaits more information."

Centre éducatif Tournesol, a city-operated daycare directly across McArthur Avenue from the salon, was closed for the remainder of the week. Freire said the closure was to "provide children, families and staff time to process this tragic event and access available supports."

A blue teddy bear was placed on the ledge of the boarded-up salon Thursday. The street has since reopened to traffic.

Ottawa Police Service's Fatal Collision Investigation Unit is seeking witnesses and dashcam or security footage from the area. Anyone with information can contact police at 613-236-1222, ext. 2345, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.