19-year-old charged after fatal Highway 401 crash in Etobicoke

All lanes are closed eastbound from Eglington to Dixon after a multi-vehicle crash, as four people were taken to the hospital.

Ontario Provincial Police say they’ve charged a 19-year-old from Vaughan after a fatal crash on Highway 401 early Saturday morning.

The collision happened at around 1:15 a.m. near Dixon Road in Etobicoke when a passenger vehicle struck a Ministry of Transportation truck in the eastbound lanes, police said.

One person who was ejected from the passenger vehicle was taken to hospital and later pronounced dead.

Three others — including two occupants of the passenger vehicle and one person from the MTO truck were also hospitalized.

In an interview with CP24, OPP Const. Tabitha Susca said their injuries are now considered non-life-threatening, and the driver who had been in serious condition is now stable.

The driver, who police identified only as a 19-year-old from Vaughan, has been charged with dangerous operation causing death and dangerous operation causing bodily harm. Susca said the accused is currently being held on bail.

Investigators believe other vehicles may have been racing in the area before the crash.

“Seat belts are such an important factor in preventing these kind of fatalities and these kind of accidents,” Susca said. “We’re trying to prevent these kind of incidents from happening.”

She said the driver is cooperating with investigators but police are still seeking information, including witnesses or anyone with dashcam video.

“The investigation is still ongoing,” Susca said.

By late Saturday morning, at around 11:47 a.m., police confirmed Highway 401 eastbound near Dixon Road had reopened.

Anyone with additional information is still asked to come forward.