Provincial authorities in Elgin County are currently conducting an investigation to ascertain the exact number of casualties resulting from a collision involving a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle on Hwy. 401 near London on Tuesday. This information was provided during an update on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident initially led to the closure of the highway’s eastbound lanes near Colonel Talbot Road due to a multiple-vehicle collision, as reported by the police around 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Subsequently, the closure was extended after another collision occurred twenty minutes later.
According to OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk, the passenger vehicle was stationary in traffic near Mill Road following the initial collision when it was rear-ended by a commercial truck, causing it to ignite with an unknown number of occupants inside.
In the latest update, authorities revealed that the fatal crash involved two commercial trucks and a passenger vehicle, with one commercial truck and the passenger vehicle catching fire. The highway remained closed for 11 hours before being reopened. The driver of the first commercial truck escaped unharmed, while the driver of the second truck sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital.
Due to the intensity of the fire, investigators have not yet determined the exact number of individuals inside the passenger vehicle. The closures prompted lengthy delays for some motorists, with a reminder from the police about the impact of such calls on emergency response resources.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional details will be shared as they become available.
