Hwy. 401 reopened in eastern Ontario after 50 vehicles involved in collisions Tuesday

Highway 401 reopened in eastern Ontario late Tuesday after numerous collisions involving as many as 50 vehicles in the Quinte West area closed the busy highway for most of the day.

The initial reports of crashes in Quinte West came at around 8:30 a.m. in 2.5-km stretch of the eastbound lanes of Highway 401 in Quinte West. OPP said there were no fatal or serious injuries, but three to four people were transported to the hospital.

Ontario Provincial Police reported additional collisions and lane closures over the course of the day on a 100-kilometre stretch between Brighton and Odessa.

The OPP reported the eastbound and westbound lanes fully reopened in the Quinte West area around 9:10 p.m. Tuesday.

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“It is a very clear reminder of how important it is to slow down and give space between you and the vehicle in front of you,” said OPP Sgt. Erin Cranton in a video posted to social media.

OPP said one woman was pulled from her vehicle just before it burst into flames. Photos shared by the OPP show the burnt car covered in spinach, apparently from the damaged tractor trailer nearby.

A snow squall warning was in effect for the area Tuesday morning, with blowing snow and near-zero visibility expected. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) reported snow-covered lanes and reduced visibility along the highway between Quinte West and Napanee. Police issued a travel advisory for roads east of Trenton due to deteriorating road conditions.

Westbound lanes of Highway 401 were closed between Wallbridge Loyalist Road and Glen Miller Road in Trenton for several hours Tuesday, eventually reopening at around 3:15 p.m.

Closures were also reported in the westbound lanes of Highway 401 at Palace Road near Napanee, and at Camden East Road near Odessa, both east of Belleville. The latter was cleared just after 2 p.m. and the former was cleared just before 2:30 p.m.

OPP said Emergency responders were checking on every stranded vehicle to ensure the safety of the people trapped on the highway and buses were transporting stranded people to the Trenton Arena, where a warming centre was set up.

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Police said just after 12 p.m. that driveable vehicles were starting to be cleared from westbound lanes in Quinte West and tow trucks were standing by in the area.

“Expect a prolonged closure, as investigation and clean-up efforts continue. OPP working with the community to assist people and ensure their safety,” police said on social media.

“OPP recognizes that extended highway closures can be challenging and frustrating. All emergency crews are actively working towards reopening the highway as quickly and safely as possible, despite the difficult weather conditions. Public safety is our top priority, and your cooperation and understanding are appreciated.”

This comes a day after a winter storm led to more than 100 collisions in eastern Ontario on Monday, according to the OPP.

Belleville saw 35 cm of snow Monday, according to Environment Canada, with 5 to 10 cm expected as a result of squalls on Tuesday.

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