A transport truck with its box raised hit a sign over Highway 401 westbound in Whitby Friday morning, according to police, leading to the entire structure “buckle and collapse” and blocking traffic for several hours.
The collision took place near the Brock Street exit just before rush hour.
Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kerry Schmidt mentioned that the driver of the truck – described as a “scrap hauler” – drove about 100 metres up the highway before coming to a stop. The driver then lowered the box and exited onto Brock Street, as stated by Schmidt.
A witness assisted police in identifying the truck and provided details about the driver. In a series of videos shared on Twitter, Schmidt noted that officers were on their way to the company that seemingly owns the truck. He urged the driver to reach out to police and arrange for his surrender.
On Friday afternoon, Schmidt confirmed that officers had found the driver, a 24-year-old man from Brampton. Authorities say he has been charged with careless driving, operating an over-height vehicle, and failing to remain at the scene.
Update: transport truck responsible for this collision has been identified. Officers are making their way to the company. If you are the driver please call @Whitby OPP 905-668-3388. pic. twitter. com/GHg PJXBRq A
-@OPP_HSD
Crews spent part of the morning removing the fallen sign structure from the highway, and all lanes have now reopened.
Initially, all westbound lanes were blocked off. Most traffic was diverted off at Thickson Road, but some larger transport trucks couldn’t turn around and were stuck on the highway for hours.
All lanes have since reopened.
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