A bus crash on route 198 between Murdochville and Gaspé, Quebec, sent 23 passengers and the driver to the hospital [1, 2].
The incident highlights the risks associated with overnight transit on regional Quebec routes, where emergency response times can be affected by remote geography.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene on the night of March 9, 2024, to find the vehicle had gone off the road [1]. Authorities said that 23 passengers and the driver were transported to medical facilities for evaluation [1]. Despite the number of people hospitalized, officials said there were no serious injuries [1, 2].
The crash occurred on a stretch of route 198 that connects the towns of Murdochville and Gaspé [1, 2]. This regional corridor serves as a primary link for travelers moving through the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, an area known for its rugged terrain.
Investigators have not yet specified the cause of the accident [1]. It remains unclear whether the crash was caused by mechanical failure, road conditions, or driver error. Local authorities are continuing to review the circumstances of the overnight event to determine why the vehicle left the roadway.
Medical staff treated the 24 individuals before releasing them from care [1]. No further updates on the condition of the passengers have been provided by health officials in the region.
“A bus crash on route 198 between Murdochville and Gaspé, Quebec, sent 23 passengers and the driver to the hospital.”
The lack of serious injuries despite 24 people requiring hospitalization suggests that while the impact was significant enough to cause shock or minor trauma, the vehicle's safety systems or the nature of the crash prevented catastrophic outcomes. The focus of the subsequent investigation will likely center on the overnight conditions of route 198 to determine if infrastructure or visibility played a role.
