Multiple collisions across GTA due to flash freeze, blowing snow: police

An undated photo of an Ontario Provincial Police cruiser. (File image/Supplied/Bobb Barratt/Ontario Provincial Police)

Ontario Provincial Police responded to multiple collisions across the Greater Toronto Area on Saturday night, including one on Highway 407 that sent one person to the hospital.

The person, police said, sustained minor injuries after being hit by a vehicle in the eastbound lanes of Highway 407 near Warden Avenue.

OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said the person got out of their vehicle following an earlier collision.

“If you are in a collision and your vehicle is drivable, please move off the highway to a safe location. Do not get out of your vehicle,” he said.

“It is far too dangerous.”

Schmidt said there were other collisions on Highway 407 but no injuries have been reported at this time.

“We’ve got a flash freeze, multiple closures, collisions,” Schmidt said in a video posted on social media on Saturday night.

Toronto and parts of the GTA were under a freezing drizzle advisory.

“We’ve got some blowing snow, some drizzle precipitation that’s freezing on contact and making for very slippery conditions,” he said.

In Pickering, OPP said Highway 7 was closed between Whites and Brock Roads due to multiple collisions and vehicles in ditches.

“There are poor road conditions in the area,” police said.

No injuries were reported. After cleanup, the highway reopened shortly before 10 p.m.

OPP said there were also multiple collisions in the northbound lanes of Highway 404 at Bloomington Road.

“Please avoid the area, and avoid driving unless necessary. Expect traffic delays and a prolonged closure,” OPP said.

York Regional Police and Durham Regional Police also urged motorists to avoid driving this evening due to ‘hazardous road conditions.’