Multi-vehicle crash closes Highway four hundred near Barrie, Ontario, more closures and collisions reported across the region
Thursday, February 27, 2014, 1:43 PM –
Snow squalls wreaked havoc on one of the country’s busiest highways Thursday, closing lanes in both directions on the four hundred highway near Barrie, Ont.
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Ontario Provincial Police spokesman Sgt. Dave Woodford said as many as ninety six vehicles were involved in the pile-up.
Emergency officials are dealing with bitter cold temperatures as they work to clear the roads, and are being compelled to cut the guard rails to permit backed up traffic the chance to budge.
Police asked Barrie transit buses to travel to the scene to keep stranded drivers warm during the clean up.
Despite the size of the crash however, officials say only three people had to be taken to hospital, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
There is no word on when the highway will reopen, but authorities expect it will take hours to clear.
The pile-up happened after an intense snow squall moved into the region off Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, resulting in near whiteout conditions.
A guideline post was set up in the area to help stranded motorists pack out reports and wait for a tow.
Several highway closures were reported across southwestern Ontario as well Thursday morning, including a shutdown of Highway four hundred two in Middlesex County and Highway four hundred one in both directions in Oxford County.
Not just the 400, several massive collisions on the four hundred one EB including this one near London #btt pic.twitter.com/3Wih0fqglI
Police are urging drivers to slow down and adjust for the weather conditions after responding to a rash of tractor trailer crashes around Port Hope, east of Oshawa early Thursday.
"Motorists should be ready for unexpected very low to nil visibility in throating snow and bursts of strong snow," Environment Canada warned in the statements Thursday morning. "This will result in hazardous driving conditions."
At the time of the crashes, snow squall sees and warnings covered the region, and drivers were advised to avoid any "non essential" travel.
For those already on the road, police encourage you to pull over as the snow squall arrives and wait until it passes.
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NOW: A look from #CTVChopper at the squall line that is wreaking havoc on roads north of #Toronto right now. pic.twitter.com/DHFClAcuZI
With files from The Canadian Press
