40-car pileup in Quebec leaves seven hospitalized

STE. ADELE, Quebec, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Authorities in Quebec said a major highway reopened Monday following a 40-car pileup that trapped dozens of people in their cars.

Quebec provincial police said seven people were hospitalized with serious injuries Monday morning when snow and icy conditions led to a 40-car pileup on northbound Highway 15 near the Ste. Adele exit, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Monday.

Police said as many as 33 people were trapped in their cars by the crash and many had to be rescued by firefighters using the Jaws of Life to pry the vehicles open.

Police said the highway reopened in both directions by late Monday afternoon.