The City of Ottawa confirms a city employee was involved in Tuesday’s fatal crash in Vanier that claimed the life of an individual in a barber shop. A vehicle crashed into the Cutzz Barber Salon on McArthur Avenue Tuesday afternoon, striking two men inside the establishment. A 30-year-old man died of his injuries on the way to the hospital and a 32-year-old man suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A 57-year-old woman is facing impaired driving related charges in connection with the incident, Ottawa police said on Wednesday. The City of Ottawa confirmed in a statement to CTV News Ottawa that an off-duty city employee was involved but did not elaborate on how. “We are aware of the tragic incident that occurred on McArthur Avenue on September 22, involving an off-duty City employee and members of the public. Our thoughts are with everyone affected,” said the statement that was attributed to Clara Freire, general manager of the Community and Social Services Department. “The matter is currently under police investigation, and the City is fully cooperating with the authorities. The employee is not actively at work while the City awaits more information. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are not in a position to provide further comment at this time.” Freire said the City-run Centre éducatif Tournesol, directly across the street from the barber shop, will remain closed for the rest of the week, “to provide the children, families, and staff time to process this tragic event and access available supports.” The Tournesol daycare takes in children between 18 months and five years old and was slated to close for the day approximately five minutes before the crash occurred. The 30-year-old victim of the crash has not been publicly identified, and police did not name the accused in a news release on Wednesday announcing her arrest and charges. Police have appealed for witnesses and are asking anyone with information or video footage of the crash to contact the fatal collision investigation unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2345.
