Three people killed in Hwy. 17 collision involving 2 CMVs

Ontario Provincial Police and other emergency responders were contacted around 3:30 a.m. April 16 to respond to the crash, which took place on Highway 17 near Raith. (File)

Three people were killed on the morning of April 16 in a collision involving two commercial vehicles on Highway 17 near Thunder Bay.

Ontario Provincial Police and other emergency responders were contacted around 3:30 a.m. to respond to the crash, which took place near Raith.

“Three individuals were pronounced deceased on scene,” police said in a news release.

“At this time, no identities are being released pending next-of-kin notification.”

In addition to the loss of life, one of the CMVs spilled its load, “which does not pose a significant risk to the public,” police said.

The collision forced a lengthy closure of Highway 17 between Ignace and the Highway 11 turnoff in Shabaqua. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks was on the scene to deal with the load spill.

The highway reopened at 7:35 a.m. Friday morning, police said.

Anyone with any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.