Whiteout conditions may have contributed to a large pileup in the morning hours of Jan. 29 that temporarily closed an Ontario highway. The truck accident involved over 20 vehicles, and it took place on a three kilometre stretch of Highway 401 between Deseronto and Napanee.
The accident occurred at about 8 a.m. and involved a large number of transport trucks. Nine people were reported hurt after the crash, and they were transported to hospital for treatment. Three of the injured were subsequently taken to another medical facility due to the serious nature of their injuries. Authorities later sent a bus to the accident scene to transport 19 stranded motorists to an emergency shelter.
The pileup caused authorities to close Highway 401 in both directions as rescue teams tended to the injured and police took control of the scene. Westbound lanes were reopened a few hours after the accident, but only one eastbound lane had been reopened the following morning. Police advised drivers to proceed through the area with caution as maintenance crews continued to do their work. They were asked to be particularly vigilant in the area of the highway’s south shoulder as workers removed soil that had been contaminated by spilled diesel fuel.
A combination of slick road surfaces and poor visibility make the winter months in Ontario particularly challenging for motorists. Most drivers take extra precautions at this time of year, but the recklessness of a small minority may put the safety of other road users at risk. A personal injury lawyer with experience in truck accident cases may bring a legal action on behalf of individuals who suffer injury or damage due to the negligent actions of others. If the action is successful, the victims of an accident may be awarded funds that compensate them for damages sustained in the accident.
Source: CTV News, “Highway 401 near Napanee left nine hurt, three seriously “, January 30, 2014
