Official opposition Projet Montréal is asking the City of Montreal to review its protocol in emergency situations following a deadly accident on Highway 40 that left one man dead.
Officials said they also want the city to look at its communications system with the population and consider effective ways to mitigate traffic while the highway is closed for repairs.
READ MORE: Engineers inspect Highway 40 after fiery accident, westbound lanes remain closed
“The population should have been informed about precautionary measures during the moments after the accident, but this wasn’t the case,” said Laurence Lavigne Lalonde, City Councillor for Maisonneuve–Longue-Pointe.
“This was a really bad reality check when the objective is to intervene in such situations.”
Lavigne Lalonde insisted that, when questioned, Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre denied there was any issue with the Emergency Preparedness Centre system (CSC), something she said is troublesome because it means there are no plans for improvement.
READ MORE: Man who tried to save driver from burning tanker on Highway 40 released from hospital
“We can’t explain why the emergency messaging service was silent throughout the fire,” said Lavigne Lalonde.
“Residents in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension had to wait to have any information concerning possible contamination of their water system and the dangers from the smoke.”
In a press release, Projet Montréal pointed out the Coordination Center for Emergency Operations in Greater Montreal (CCMU) only released a statement four hours after the accident on Highway 40.
WATCH: Amateur video captures fiery aftermath of truck explosion in Montreal
“If a major accident occurred in Montreal’s east end, where refineries are situated near residential neighbourhoods, would the city wait hours before communicating with residents?” demanded Lavigne Lalonde.
“Rather than ignore the problem, the mayor should take the opportunity to make the process better.”
Projet Montréal insists the city now needs to have a plan to deal with traffic while the highway is repaired, including putting shuttle buses at various metro stations.
WATCH BELOW : Highway 40 was closed following a fiery accident that left several vehicles on fire.
What is the Emergency Preparedness Centre?
According to the City of Montreal, the CSC is in charge of preventing risks and preparing responses to major disasters.
READ MORE: ‘It’s like the apocalypse,’ one dead after fiery accident on Highway 40
It works with known emergency responders, residents and businesses and encourages them to take the necessary precautions when dealing with major events.
The CSC’s objectives are to:
- Come to residents’ assistance as quickly as possible
- Save lives, reduce injuries
- Protect residents and workers
- Provide residents with a safe environment and shelter
- Protect and keep essential infrastructures up and running
- Inform the population
- Protect property and the environment
- Reduce social and economic losses
rachel.lau@globalnews.ca
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