OTTAWA — The car crash that killed one woman on Saturday and injured two of her sisters has sent shock waves through the siblings’ large, extended family. The survivors of Claudette Clement gathered at the Ottawa Hospital’s Civic campus on Monday to support those injured in the car crash. Sylvie Paquette, whose mother, Yolande Charette, suffered a broken vertebrae, said the family is very close. “My mother was one of five sisters, five brothers. But, now they are only four (sisters),” Paquette said, adding that the siblings had 27 grandchildren and 33 great grandchilren in total. “We’re a good, harmonious family; we are always there for each other, it’s incredible.” Clement, 67, of Plaisance, Que., was killed in the two-vehicle accident on Hwy. 7 near Stittsville on Saturday afternoon. She had been travelling with her two sisters, Yolande, 66, and Monique Charette, 63. The car was driven by Pierre Duvall, 66, Yolande’s common-law partner.

The green 2010 Toyota Camry was travelling westbound on the highway when Duvall apparently pulled onto the right shoulder before making a left turn toward a designated emergency vehicle U-turn area. An oncoming black 2009 Hyundai Elantra then broadsided the Camry. Duvall and the two surviving sisters were taken to hospital. Duvall and Yolande suffered minor personal injury. Monique, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, was listed in serious condition. Paquette said Monique was in a coma and her mother Yolande was in a lot of pain. Paquette said that due to the strong medications, her mother has not fully absorbed all the details of the crash, including Clement’s death. “It is better like that for the moment.” Clement and most of her six or seven children lived in Plaisance, Que., said Paquette, adding that Clement’s husband died four years ago. Funeral arrangements had not been finalized Monday evening.

The Hyundai’s driver, David MacDiarmid, 31, and his 33-year-old passenger were taken to hospital with minor personal injury. Police said MacDiarmid tried to slow down, but was unable to avoid the collision.Paquette said alcohol could not have been a factor in the crash as her stepfather, who had open-heart surgery eight months ago, does not drink. The crash remained under OPP investigation. © Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

update: