(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-18 16:04

OTTAWA -- A Canadian woman died after a car collision with her husband just minutes' drive from their home, local media reported Thursday.

The tragedy took place in Drummondville in the eastern province of Quebec Saturday evening. The 36-year-old man, Patrick Laflamme, plowed his truck into the van while his 41-year-old wife was driving. Both were rushed to the hospital, where Renee Bourbeau died a few hours later.

Laflamme, who is still recovering from leg fractures and head lacerations, was charged in his hospital bed on Tuesday with drunk driving causing death, Canadian Press said.

Police said the couple had been at a local bar and Renee Bourbeau left without her husband. The accident happened when Laflamme was returning home.

The police alleged Laflamme was driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic and slammed into his wife's vehicle.

Detectives have decided it was not a premeditated act and the police are taking it as a traffic accident.

The couple, who manage a roofing business together, have enjoyed a happy relationship after their marriage two years ago, family members say.