A serious head-on crash in Barrie’s south end has led to an impaired driving charge and left two people hospitalized. Emergency crews were called to Fairview Road around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. Barrie police, fire services, and paramedics responded to the evening collision. Two people from one vehicle were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Police say the riders of the second vehicle were treated at the scene of the accident and did not require hospitalization. Officials state the crash happened when a southbound vehicle lost control and collided with a northbound vehicle. During the probe, officers allegedly found open beer containers inside the southbound vehicle, prompting an impaired driving investigation. A 71-year-old Barrie man has since been charged with impaired operation under the Criminal Code of Canada. Fairview Road was closed for several hours while the traffic unit investigated and reopened shortly after 12:30 a.m. The incident comes during National Impaired Driving Prevention Week, as police continue to stress the risks and consequences of driving under the influence. “Driving is a privilege that carries responsibility. Choosing to drive impaired puts everyone on the road at risk,” state police. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
