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Second SQ officer relieved of duties in connection with Highway 13 debacle

Stranded motorists on Montreal's Highway 13. Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Global News

A second officer with the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) was relieved of his duties Sunday, in connection with a massive traffic jam on Montreal’s Highway 13 during a major snowstorm Tuesday night.

Hundreds of motorists were stranded on the highway overnight, highlighting the lack of coordinated response.

READ MORE: Massive pileup on Highway 13 strands hundreds of drivers overnight

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Some motorists told Global News they were trapped on the road for more than 12 hours.

The two officers — a lieutenant and a captain –have been reassigned to desk duty, pending the results of an internal investigation. Disciplinary action could follow.

READ MORE: Quebec opposition parties call for transport minister’s resignation after Highway 13 pile-up

On Saturday, the SQ arrested a 57-year-old Laval truck driver who allegedly refused to have his truck towed during the traffic jam, thus hampering rescue efforts.

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He faces possible charges of criminal mischief.

The government has also launched its own inquiry into  the matter.

–With files from the Canadian Press

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