On Tuesday evening, several people lost their lives in what provincial police officials called a “horrific” accident on Highway 401, just south of London in Southwold Township.
The crash took place during rush hour when a transport truck collided with the back of a passenger car that was stopped in traffic, according to police reports.
The affected vehicle was stationary because of an earlier accident near Colonel Talbot Road in the eastbound lanes of the highway.
“That [passenger] vehicle burst into flames, and right now I can tell you that we do have some deceased individuals in that vehicle. I just don’t know the number of people that were in that vehicle [at this time],” said OPP Sgt. Ed Sanchuk.
Initially, around 4 p. m. on Tuesday, police reported that the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 had been closed due to a multi-vehicle crash and advised drivers to take alternate routes.
Twenty minutes later, authorities expanded the closure to both westbound and eastbound lanes after another collision occurred.
“The eastbound lanes of Highway 401 between Iona Road and Colonel Talbot Road are going to be closed for the next six to eight, to possibly 10 hours,” Sanchuk stated at approximately 5:45 p. m.
Sanchuk requested patience from those stuck in traffic while police continued their investigation.
Police mentioned that updates would follow their initial reports.
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