More than 70 vehicles involved in pile-ups in Ottawa

OTTAWA, Dec. 15 (Xinhua/GNA) -- More than 70 vehicles were involved in pile-ups on a main highway south of Canada's capital Monday morning, causing multiple injuries.

The chain reaction crashes occurred just before 8 a.m. local time (1300 GMT) on Highway 416 in the city's south end. Rescue workers said about 32 vehicles are involved in one crash, and up to 40 vehicles in a second chain-reaction pileup.

At least one truck is involved, and one vehicle ended up on its roof. Paramedics have treated several injured motorists and continue to assist those who remain at the scene. Dozens of emergency vehicles are on the scene.

Buses have been brought in to remove motorists who are stuck at the scene. The highway is slated to be closed for several hours.

Thick fog and icy roads were blamed for the accidents. Witnesses said the fog was very thick and visibility was below 6 meters.

The Ottawa region has been receiving snow during the past few days and most roads are covered with ice and frozen snow.

GNA