“Multi-Vehicle Collision Shuts Down Highway 401 in Ontario, Several Injured”….Read more

Multi-Vehicle Collision Shuts Down Highway 401 in Ontario, Several Injured.

Ontario, April 9, 2025 — A major multi-vehicle collision brought traffic to a standstill on Highway 401 this morning, resulting in multiple injuries and significant delays along one of Canada’s busiest transportation corridors.

The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. near the town of Milton, just west of Toronto. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) confirmed that at least six vehicles were involved, including two transport trucks and several passenger cars. Witnesses report that a dense fog may have been a contributing factor, reducing visibility to dangerously low levels during the morning commute.

Emergency crews, including police, fire services, and paramedics, rushed to the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Several individuals were treated on-site for minor injuries, while at least four people were transported to nearby hospitals. One individual is reported to be in critical condition.

“It was chaos,” said one driver who was caught in the backup for over two hours. “You could barely see anything ahead. I heard a loud crash, and then everything just stopped. People were getting out of their cars, trying to figure out what happened.”

Images from the scene show twisted metal, shattered windshields, and debris scattered across the highway. One transport truck jackknifed, blocking multiple lanes and causing a chain reaction of collisions behind it. Fuel from one of the trucks leaked onto the roadway, prompting hazardous materials crews to respond.

As of noon, both the eastbound and westbound lanes of Highway 401 between James Snow Parkway and Trafalgar Road remained closed, with OPP urging drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes. The cleanup and investigation are expected to continue for several hours.

“The cause of the crash is still under investigation,” said OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt in a press briefing. “Weather appears to be a factor, but we are also examining road conditions, vehicle data, and driver statements to determine exactly what led to this incident.”

Highway 401 is a key transportation artery through southern Ontario, often referred to as the lifeline of Canada’s trucking and logistics industry. The closure is expected to have a ripple effect on traffic throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Authorities are reminding drivers to exercise caution in poor weather conditions and to maintain safe distances, especially when visibility is limited. Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.

— Reporting by Ontario News Desk