Deadly start to a busy long weekend on the roads

The OPP used an unmanned aerial system to investigate a two vehicle crash on Highway 17 near Mattawa. Jul 17/2017 (Twitter/@OPP_NER)

UPDATE: Charges against the accused were dismissed/acquitted on Dec. 12, 2018.

It was a deadly start to what is expected to be a busy long weekend on the roads.

One person is dead following a collision just west of the Joyceville Road exit on Highway 401. The incident happened just before 7 a.m. Friday and involved two vehicles and a tractor trailer.

The second fatal crash involved a motorcycle passenger happened around the noon hour. It was between a motorcycle and a vehicle. The crash closed a 150 kilometer stretch of Highway 17 from Pembroke to Mattawa. It is unclear when the road will re-open.

Another collision on the 401 involving a single vehicle near Yonge Township had the area closed for hours. Ontario Provincial Police say the driver lost control and rolled several time. A 22-year-old man was charged with impaired driving.

Police are advising motorists to take extra time this weekend as roads are expected to be busier than usual.