Tragic Highway Collision Claims Seven Lives in Ontario……See More

Tragic Highway Collision Claims Seven Lives in Ontario

Ontario, May 10, 2025 — In a devastating highway collision that has shaken the province, seven people have lost their lives following a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 401 near Trenton, Ontario. The tragic incident, which occurred late Friday evening, involved a transport truck, a passenger van, and two private vehicles, resulting in one of the deadliest accidents in the region’s recent memory.

According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the collision occurred around 10:45 p.m. in the westbound lanes near the Glen Miller Road exit. Preliminary investigations suggest that a transport truck traveling at high speed rear-ended a van carrying a family of five, pushing the vehicle into the path of oncoming traffic. Moments later, two additional vehicles became entangled in the wreckage, triggering a chain-reaction crash.

Emergency responders from multiple jurisdictions—including Hastings-Quinte paramedics, Trenton Fire Department, and OPP highway safety units—rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts, seven individuals, including three children, were pronounced dead at the site. Two others were airlifted to Kingston General Hospital with life-threatening injuries, while several others sustained non-critical injuries and were treated at nearby medical facilities.

Police have confirmed that among the deceased are all five members of a local family from Belleville, who were returning from a weekend outing. The remaining two victims have yet to be identified publicly pending notification of next of kin. Authorities are currently working with forensic teams to confirm the identities.

“This is an unspeakable tragedy,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique at a press briefing Saturday morning. “Our hearts go out to the families affected. We are conducting a full investigation to understand how this occurred and to ensure accountability.”

The section of Highway 401 where the crash occurred remained closed in both directions until late Saturday afternoon as collision reconstruction teams worked to gather evidence. Traffic was rerouted through local roads, causing significant delays.

Transport Canada officials are reportedly examining whether the transport truck involved was compliant with safety regulations. Investigators are also reviewing the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD), dash cam footage, and driver records.

“This kind of horrific event underscores the importance of enforcing speed limits and ensuring vehicle safety inspections are up to date,” said Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney. “We are committed to taking any necessary actions to improve safety on our highways.”

Grief counselors have been made available at schools and community centers in Belleville and surrounding areas. Vigils are being planned for the victims, with hundreds already expressing condolences on social media.

As the investigation continues, the province mourns the loss of innocent lives in what officials are calling a preventable and heartbreaking accident.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area is asked to contact the OPP’s Quinte West detachment.