Highway 17 reopens fatal after multi-vehicle crash

One person is dead after passenger vehicle collided with commercial truck on Highway 17 in Johnson Township; detour available as police investigate.

A section of Highway 17 was closed in both directions following a fatal two-vehicle crash east of Desbarats, Ontario Provincial Police say.

The collision occurred at about 8 a.m. on May 12, near Gordon Lake Road.

“East Algoma OPP and emergency services are on scene,” the OPP said in a social media post shortly after 8:30 a.m.

Provincial police have since confirmed the “serious” crash involved a commercial motor vehicle and a passenger vehicle.

“The driver of the passenger vehicle, an individual from British Columbia, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” OPP said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

Police said a passenger in the commercial vehicle sustained minor injuries.

In an update, OPP said the Highway fully reopened shortly before 7:30 p.m.

“We appreciated your patience and understanding during the on-site investigation and clean-up,” said police.

Detour routes established

Passenger vehicles were being directed to detour via Smith Road, Government Road, and Fisher Road to reconnect with Highway 17.

“Motorists can use the detour route in place,” police said in an update shortly after 11 a.m.

By 1:40 p.m., transport trucks and other heavy vehicles were advised to use a separate alternative route – following Highway 101 in Wawa and Highway 129 in Devon to connect back to Highway 17.

Long closure

“The highway will remain closed until the investigation is complete, and all vehicles and debris is removed from the roadway,” OPP said in the news release.

The roadway was closed for about 11 hours on Tuesday.

The East Algoma OPP detachment is leading the investigation, with assistance from the North East Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement team.

OPP have not provided the cause of the crash nor stated if any charges are pending.

Authorities are advising drivers to monitor OPP social media channels for further developments. Motorists are also encouraged to check 511on.ca or call 511 for up-to-date road conditions and closures before travelling.