Two individuals were hospitalized following a collision between a vehicle and a Ministry of Transportation (MTO) crash truck on Highway 401 near Woodstock, Ont., on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 at Tower Line Road, as reported by the Ontario Provincial Police.
According to authorities, the crash truck was stationary in the left lane for highway maintenance when it was rear-ended by a passenger vehicle. The driver of the vehicle sustained injuries of unspecified severity and was taken to the hospital, while the crash truck operator was also hospitalized for precautionary measures.
Sgt. Ed Sanchuk of the OPP’s West Region mentioned that the vehicle seemed to have collided with the crash truck at a high speed on the highway. Sanchuk emphasized the importance of being attentive to the surroundings and adhering to safety protocols, especially when encountering large trucks with warning signs on the road.
Reports from road crews indicated that drivers had been observed attempting to overtake work vehicles on the left, pushing them into the emergency lane and endangering the safety of workers. Sanchuk highlighted the significance of ensuring the safety of workers who strive to return home to their families after completing their duties.
The OPP issued a reminder for motorists to comply with Ontario’s Move Over law, which mandates drivers to slow down and switch lanes, if feasible, when approaching stationary emergency vehicles and specific roadside work vehicles with flashing lights.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing. Subsequent to the incident, the OPP closed the two left lanes of the eastbound highway, while the right lane remained operational, albeit with traffic moving at a reduced pace.