OPP opfficials allege: Elgin County OPP are investigating a fatal multi-vehicle collision on Highway 401 in Southwold Township.
Police, Medavie EMS Elgin and local fire services responded at approximately 4:03 p.m. Tuesday to the eastbound lanes near Mill Road. Initial information indicates traffic had slowed due to an earlier collision in the eastbound lanes near Colonel Talbot Road in Middlesex County. A subsequent collision occurred west of the initial scene involving two transport trucks and a passenger vehicle.
The passenger vehicle and one of the transport trucks caught fire and were quickly engulfed in flames. One transport driver exited the vehicle uninjured, while the second was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Due to the intensity of the fire, investigators have not yet been able to determine how many occupants were in the passenger vehicle.
Highway 401 was closed for approximately 11 hours while crews worked at the scene and investigators conducted their examination. The Ministry of Transportation also completed repairs to the roadway before it reopened.
Police reminded motorists that calls regarding road closures can tie up resources needed for emergencies and encouraged them to consult official traffic information sources.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
