Updated on: October 24, 2024 5:19 pm GMT
All westbound lanes of Highway 401 near Guelph are closed following a serious collision that occurred on Friday morning. This closure comes after two separate accidents, significantly impacting traffic flow and safety in the area.
The Collisions
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) confirmed that the first incident involved a car and a transport truck. This crash took place just west of Highway 6 North in Puslinch. Another collision occurred nearby, involving a passenger van and two commercial motor vehicles, leading to a major traffic disruption.
Injuries and Response
According to reports, two people were transported to a trauma center following the accidents. One of these individuals was airlifted by Ornge Air Ambulance, while the other was transported by land Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Sgt. Ted Dongelmans from the OPP’s highway safety division shared that the injuries from the collision with the transport truck are significant. “Two people were transported to trauma centres, one by air and one by land EMS,” he noted.
The driver of the car involved in the initial crash had to be extricated from the vehicle and was sent to the hospital. Though Ornge was on standby, the driver was ultimately taken by land ambulance.
Traffic Impact
As a result of these incidents, all westbound lanes of Highway 401 are closed from Guelph Line in Milton to Townline Road in Cambridge. The road closures are expected to last for several hours while authorities assess the situation and conduct a thorough investigation.
- Traffic Detoured: Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes.
- Updates: Stay tuned for real-time traffic updates every ten minutes on local radio stations.
- Investigation: OPP urges patience as they work through the investigation and cleanup phases.
Possible Delays
According to Sgt. Dongelmans, it may be a while before the roadway reopens. He mentioned, “It was a fairly significant collision, so the cleanup will take some time once we get to that point.” OPP is waiting for more information on the extent of the injuries before proceeding with further cleanup efforts. “It’s too early to discuss the cause of the ONroute collision or any potential charges,” he added.
Safety Precautions
<pIn the wake of these collisions, the OPP advises drivers to be cautious when traveling in similar conditions. Here are some safety tips to consider:
- Stay Alert: Always pay attention to the road and surrounding vehicles.
- Follow Traffic Signs: Obey all posted signs, especially in construction or accident areas.
- Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to allow for sudden stops.
Conclusion
Westbound lanes of Highway 401 remain closed due to these serious accidents. With injuries confirmed and investigations ongoing, local authorities encourage travelers to prioritize safety and stay informed on updates. For the latest traffic info, consider checking local news or traffic services.
For the latest and more detailed traffic updates, you can check out the Ontario Traffic Advisories.
