Police say fiery collision on major GTA highway leaves 1 dead, shuts down traffic
By The Canadian Press on June 21, 2023.
Ontario Provincial Police say a multi-vehicle collision has claimed at least one life and sparked a massive fireball on Highway 401, at Brock Road in Pickering, east of Toronto. O.P.P Sergeant Kerry Schmidt says just before 11:00 p.m. ET Tuesday, there was a significant collision involving two transport trucks and a passenger vehicle. During the crash, an explosion occurred and all three vehicles were consumed by fire. Schmidt says at least one person has been confirmed dead at this time. The accident has closed down Highway 401 in both directions, between Westney Road in Ajax and Whites Road in Pickering, and police say due to fire damage, it will likely remain closed into the morning rush. Commuters are warned to expect heavy delays while rerouting off the highway to avoid the crash site. In a video update posted to Twitter, Schmidt asks for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the crash to call the O.P.P. The clean-up and the investigation into the crash are ongoing. Further updates are pending. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21, 2023. 8-7
