Tow truck operator killed in Wellington County collision

A tow truck driver from Richmond Hill was hit while helping a stranded motorist in Wellington County. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk has more on the fatal collision.

A tow truck operator has died after they were hit by a vehicle in Wellington County.

First responders were called to Wellington Road 26, between Sideroad 27 and Sideroad 30, on Dec. 27 around 9:15 p.m. The Ontario Provincial Police said the driver of a vehicle hit a tow truck operator while they were helping another driver.

The 39-year-old from Richmond Hill was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead two days later.

“I’m shocked, obviously, disappointed, angered at it,” said Gary Vandenheuvel, president of the Professional Towing Association of Ontario.

While Vandenheuvel didn’t know the 39-year-old, he said his death is another devastating loss for the tow truck community.

“It becomes extremely frustrating, angering for an industry that’s trying to do their job,” he said. “And when this happens twice within one month that we lose operators, it’s just not right.”

This incident comes as friends and family mourn the loss of a Kitchener tow truck operator who was killed in a hit-and-run on Highway 401 near Drumbo.

Last week, police charged a 32-year-old from Mount Hope, a community near Hamilton, for that incident.

“It is heartbreaking that we have had two such similar instances in a very short period of time in West Region,” said Staff Sgt. Carrie Trewartha with Wellington County OPP.

The driver of the vehicle that hit the tow truck driver was also taken to hospital, but their injuries were minor.

Police have not said if any charges have been laid.

Anyone with more information is urged to contact investigators.

In an email to CTV News, CAA confirmed the tow truck operator was one of their network drivers from a different company who was responding to a call.

In Ontario, motorists must, by law, slow down when passing a tow truck with flashing amber lights and move over if they can do so safely.

“Ontario’s highways are not only some of Canada’s busiest highways; for first responders and tow truck operators, it’s where they work. Such tragic accidents can be avoided if drivers slow down and, if they safely can, move over when they see first responders, construction workers and tow operators working on the side of the road. It is also the law,” the statement from CAA read.

“Reduced visibility during the winter months makes roadside work even more hazardous, and we urge all drivers to exercise extra caution.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the driver and his family during this difficult and uncertain time of recovery. This is a grim reminder of the importance of the Slow Down, Move Over Law – it can save lives and avoid life-altering tragedies,” the statement concluded.

Vandenheuvel is calling for stronger enforcement of the law and harsher punishment for those who refuse to follow it.

“We can’t afford to lose another life out there,” he said. “I think the only possibility is stiffer fines, possibly jail terms, driver suspensions.”

The Ontario Provincial Police urge road users to drive with care and keep an eye out for emergency vehicles.

“Especially at these times of the year when you have challenging weather situations that our operators, drivers need to be a little bit more cognizant of what they’re doing out there.”

The Professional Towing Association of Ontario said a procession will be held sometime in the new year to honour the life of the 39-year-old operator and remind drivers to be alert, slow down, and move over.