Fatal single-vehicle crash on Manitoulin Island, closed Hwy. 542 for hours

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle and yellow police tape block a section of highway. (File photo/CTV News)

A 51-year-old man from Port Elgin is dead following a single-vehicle crash on Highway 542 in Central Manitoulin Township.

Authorities said Ontario Provincial Police and members of United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police Service were dispatched to the scene Sunday at about 6:45 p.m. after reports of a pickup truck with one occupant that had left the roadway.

“A 51-year-old male from Port Elgin was pronounced deceased,” OPP said in a news release issued shortly after midnight on Monday.

Road closed for hours

The highway was initially closed at Monkhouse Road in Mindemoya before being shut down in both directions between Lakeshore Road and Monument Road as emergency crews investigated the crash.

“The public is advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes,” the OPP posted on social media Sunday evening.

The closure remained in effect until after 2:30 a.m. Monday.

Investigation ongoing

“The investigation remains ongoing,” OPP said.

Technical collision investigators and a reconstructionist are assisting with the probe into what caused the vehicle to leave the road.

“Further updates will be released as they become available,” the OPP said.