A dramatic video released on Friday captured the terrifying moment a community bus crashed into the outdoor patio (terrasse) of Buvette Beaubien, a popular restaurant in Montreal’s Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie neighborhood. The sudden collision sent customers scrambling for safety and left one employee injured.
Here is what we know about the shocking incident and why the establishment's owners say city construction played a major role.
What Happened at Buvette Beaubien
On Tuesday, diners at Buvette Beaubien on Beaubien Street experienced the scare of their lives. Footage shared by the restaurant’s owners shows a bus—operated by a local community organization—suddenly swerving and slamming into the side of the wooden patio structure.
The impact severely damaged the wooden deck, causing tables and chairs to instantly collapse. While customers managed to leap out of the way in time to avoid a direct impact, the chaotic scene resulted in an injury to staff.
According to co-owner Dominique Goupil, a waitress named Alix was caught in the scramble. As panicked customers tried to escape, they fell on top of her. Alix fell, sustaining a sprained elbow and cuts from shattered glass on her arms and elbows. No other injuries were reported, though Goupil noted that everyone present was left in a deep state of shock.
The Roadwork Connection
While Buvette Beaubien had heavy flower planters installed at both ends of the patio to protect against potential collisions, the side of the structure remained exposed. However, Goupil argues the accident was entirely preventable, pointing to two key factors: excessive speed and poorly placed traffic cones.
According to the co-owner, city roadwork had been underway on Beaubien Street for a few days. The construction crew had placed traffic cones extremely close to the restaurant's outdoor seating area.
"The bus tried to avoid the cones, but they were going too fast and they tore up the terrace," Goupil explained.
Safety Under the Spotlight
This incident raises fresh concerns about the safety of Montreal's iconic summer terrasses. As restaurants expand onto busy streets during the warmer months, the combination of tight roadways, heavy traffic, and ongoing orange-cone construction continues to pose a safety challenge for business owners and patrons alike.
