Driver charged in head-on collision

An Ottawa man has been charged with careless driving and driving while his licence is under suspension after two vehicles collided head-on Sunday morning on County Rd. 17 in Clarence Rockland.

Russell County OPP, Ottawa police, members of the Clarence Rockland Fire Department, Ottawa Fire Services and Prescott paramedics responded to the call about 9 a.m. Ottawa fire officials said the drivers, both of whom were alone at the time, had to be extricated from the wreckage.

Police said one of the drivers had fallen asleep, crossed the centre line and collided with an on oncoming vehicle. Both drivers were seriously injured, and an air ambulance was called for one of them. The other went to hospital by regular ambulance.

Police identified the man who was charged as Robert Maurice LeBlond, 59, of Ottawa.