(SEVERN TWP, ON) – The Orillia Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is continuing an investigation into a serious collision in the southbound lanes of Highway 400 near Vasey Road in Severn Township. The call came in to police at approximately 3:30 a.m. this date.
Emergency personnel including fire, ambulance and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) attended the scene. The highway was closed for the investigation and the southbound lanes of Highway 400 remain closed at this time. The anticipated time for re-opening Highway 400 southbound is at noon today.
The OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigation Unit (TTCI) was called to assist with the investigation.
A van was travelling southbound on Highway 400 when it lost control for unknown reasons. The van struck a snowbank and flipped over.
A motorist stopped to assist the male driver in the van.
The third vehicle involved was a transport truck and trailer. The truck driver attempted to stop; the trailer jackknifed striking the motorist who stopped to assist. The truck and trailer stopped sideways across the highway when the fourth motorist who was driving a pickup truck, ran into it.
The chain of events resulted in one man deceased and one man sent to hospital. Two other drivers were not injured. Police have not yet identified the deceased man.
It was snowing at the time of this incident.
When more information becomes available, a further update will be released.
The investigation is ongoing.