‘It could have been much worse,’ says Oro-Medonte fire chief; five people transported by ambulance to RVH in Barrie, and sixth person taken to Orillia hospital
Local emergency responders are feeling relieved after a huge pileup involving 40 vehicles on Highway 11 just north of Barrie this morning ended without serious injuries.
As per Oro-Medonte Fire Chief Roree Payment, five individuals were taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, while another was transported to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.
The situation could have been much more severe, he noted.
“The trapped occupants were on the opposite side of the transport truck on fire. A window was broken to remove them, and the three vehicles that were on fire had started the cab of the transport truck carrying gasoline on fire,” Payment said.
“The potential was quite large, but just due to the professionalism and the working arrangements we have with our neighbours and our emergency partners, we did bring the situation to a close quickly and safely,” the chief added.
Emergency crews tend to a 40-vehicle pileup on Highway 11 north of Barrie on Friday. Photo from Roree Payment via X
Crews responded to the multi-vehicle incident on Highway 11 southbound near Penetanguishene Road around 10:30 a. m., he mentioned, noting that weather conditions – including poor visibility and blowing snow – contributed significantly to the crash.
Weather can change rapidly, Payment added, which is why it’s crucial for drivers to stay alert and adjust their speed as needed.
“Most of the way to the call was clear. Then we got on the highway and all of a sudden whiteout conditions began pretty quickly,” he explained.
According to Payment, reports indicated one person was trapped inside a vehicle with a fuel tanker involved alongside several other vehicles that were ablaze near it.
“We arrived at the scene and with help from Barrie Fire, we managed to control the blaze,” he stated.
Three stations from Oro-Medonte along with three trucks from Barrie responded, summing up about 12 units and 35 firefighters in total, said Payment.
Motorists were evacuated from nearby vehicles thanks to assistance from County of Simcoe Paramedic Services and Ontario Provincial Police, he added.
Oro-Medonte Station No. 1 has been opened as a warming centre for around 15 stranded motorists while payment mentioned that highway closure would likely last for several hours.
“Part of the guardrail was cut so that we could start diverting traffic away from the fire; therefore it will need repairs,” said Payment.
As of just before 1 p. m., three transport trucks along with another commercial vehicle and several passenger cars still needed removal from where they crashed according to Payment’s update.
Tackling an accident under such challenging conditions often proves difficult, he added.
“Road conditions can delay timely responses,” said Payment who also noted that trying not get caught up in accidents themselves adds risk as well.
“Just due to elapsed time since it happened; stopped traffic might have moved itself closer up Line 1 or Line 2 because this road sees high traffic volume,” he explained. “Accident locations can shift very fast.”
A large-scale scene like this morning’s creates access issues too, he stated further:
“Traffic was halted from Line 2 all way up until (Highway) 93; so when we’re dealing with fires or assisting trapped occupants while also searching each vehicle for injuries or ensuring everyone is out takes time because access becomes critical.”
The chief continued:“Our teams coordinated successfully with OPP by shutting down northbound lanes allowing us not only easier access for emergency vehicles but also clearing out motorists.”This shows how various agencies can effectively collaborate for positive outcomes during incidents,”Payment concluded.Since then Oro-Medonte Township has declared a significant weather event reflecting current/future forecasts resulting in temporary removal snow plows off township roads plus several closures implemented accordingly. The rapid changes made visibility tough; winter storms severely impact driving situations prompting officials recommending residents steer clear unless absolutely necessary travel needs arise.
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The chief continued:“Our teams coordinated successfully with OPP by shutting down northbound lanes allowing us not only easier access for emergency vehicles but also clearing out motorists.”This shows how various agencies can effectively collaborate for positive outcomes during incidents,”Payment concluded.Since then Oro-Medonte Township has declared a significant weather event reflecting current/future forecasts resulting in temporary removal snow plows off township roads plus several closures implemented accordingly. The rapid changes made visibility tough; winter storms severely impact driving situations prompting officials recommending residents steer clear unless absolutely necessary travel needs arise.
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