Ontario Provincial Police say that three people were injured and one man was killed in a multi-vehicle accident on Highway 401. The car crash occurred in the westbound lanes in Whitby at around 10:30 a.m. on June 24 and involved a transport truck, a bus and two cars. The westbound transport truck struck a westbound Toyota Corolla, shearing off the back of the car. A Setra bus and a Pontiac became involved in a crash after the initial accident. Available reports suggest that officers did not know what caused the crash.
An Ornge Air Ambulance arrived on the scene but later left empty. The male driver and male front-seat passenger in the Toyota suffered serious injuries and were hospitalised; they are 29 and 47 years old. A 23-year-old man was driving the Pontiac and was hospitalised with minor injuries, and a 29-year-old male passenger from Scarborough, who was sitting in the rear of the car, died on the scene. There were 38 passengers on the Setra bus, but no injuries were reported.
Although the accident happened in the westbound lanes, both sides of Highway 401 were temporarily shut down. Police reopened the eastbound lanes at around 12:30 p.m. and the westbound lanes at about 4:15 p.m. However, the off ramp for Thickson Road remained closed for several more hours.
When people are injured in car accidents, they could receive compensation from the responsible parties. This might reimburse the victims for lost income and out-of-pocket damages, as well as compensate them for pain and suffering. Affected family members could also be entitled to similar compensation. The Family Law Act also allows the next of kin of fatal car accident victims to recover damages. This may include travel, funeral and burial costs, as well as the loss of household income and services. The family might also receive compensation for the loss of companionship, care and guidance.
Source: The Toronto Star, ‘Hwy. 401 westbound lanes closed after fatal crash near Whitby,” Paul Clarke, June 24, 2014
Source: CanLII.org, ‘Family Law Act”
Source: CTV News, “Highway 401 reopened after fatal crash in Whitby “, Kendra Mangione, June 24, 2014
