Multiple fatalities occurred on Tuesday evening in a tragic accident on Highway 401 south of London in Southwold Township, according to provincial police officials. The incident occurred during rush hour when a transport truck collided with a stationary passenger vehicle that was waiting in traffic due to an earlier collision near Colonel Talbot Road in the highway’s eastbound lanes.
The passenger vehicle caught fire upon impact, resulting in casualties. The exact number of individuals in the vehicle at the time is currently unknown, as confirmed by OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk.
Initially, around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, police announced the closure of Highway 401’s eastbound lanes due to a multiple-vehicle collision and advised drivers to seek alternate routes. Subsequently, the closure was expanded to include both westbound and eastbound lanes following another crash.
Sanchuk informed the public that the eastbound lanes between Iona Road and Colonel Talbot Road would remain closed for an estimated six to ten hours. He also requested patience from motorists caught in the traffic congestion while authorities conducted their investigation.
Police assured that further updates would be provided as the investigation progressed.